On a frigid January evening at The Abbey Stadium, Birmingham City weathered both the elements and a determined Cambridge United side to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory in the third round of the FA Cup. The win sees the Blues advance to the fourth round, but not without a late scare from a spirited Cambridge team that refused to go quietly.
Kickoff was set for 5:45pm, with the pitch only declared playable after a midday inspection. Despite the freezing temperatures—players alternated between gloves and short sleeves—fans packed into the historic Cambridge ground, eager for a classic cup upset. The match was broadcast live on TNT Sports 6, with streaming available via the discovery+ app, ensuring that supporters could follow every twist and turn, whether from the stands or the warmth of their homes.
Birmingham City entered the tie buoyed by a recent 3-0 triumph over Championship leaders Coventry City, a result that snapped a seven-game winless streak and injected much-needed confidence into Chris Davies’ squad. Cambridge, meanwhile, were riding high themselves, sitting sixth in League Two and unbeaten in their last ten matches, including a penalty shootout victory over Stockport County to reach this round.
Manager Chris Davies opted for a near full-strength lineup, making just two changes from the previous league outing. Christoph Klarer returned from suspension to anchor the defense, while Kyogo Furuhashi was handed a start up front, replacing the injured Jay Stansfield. The bench featured four under-21 talents—Billy Burrell, Menzi Mazwi, Briar Bateman, and Daniel Isichei—highlighting both the depth and youth in the Blues’ ranks.
Cambridge, led by Neil Harris, boasted the second-best home record in League Two and had their own cup ambitions. Notably absent from the starting eleven was ex-Blues captain Michael Morrison, who watched from the bench alongside Elias Kachunga, a familiar foe for Birmingham fans.
The early exchanges were cagey, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Cambridge’s Ben Knight squandered the first real chance, firing over from close range after Birmingham failed to clear a long throw. The Blues’ midfield duo of Tommy Doyle and Paik Seung-ho gradually gained control, dictating play despite the bobbly surface.
The deadlock was broken in the 30th minute. After Kyogo’s initial effort was blocked, Kai Wagner pounced on the loose ball at the edge of the box and rifled it past Cambridge keeper Jack Eastwood. It was Wagner’s first goal for the club, and it settled any early nerves for the visitors. The away support, who had been chanting for a breakthrough, erupted in celebration.
Just before halftime, Birmingham doubled their lead. Kyogo Furuhashi, desperate to end a five-month goal drought, capitalized on a defensive lapse by Rossi, stole the ball, and coolly finished into the corner. The relief and joy were evident as Kyogo took the applause of the traveling fans—his first goal since August, and one that could prove pivotal for his confidence amidst swirling rumors of a return to Celtic. Both clubs have downplayed those rumors, but the goal will do much to silence any doubters.
At the break, Birmingham looked in command, but Cambridge were far from finished. Harris’ side came out for the second half with renewed vigor, pressing forward and creating opportunities. Ben Knight again came close, blazing over when well-placed, and substitute Sullay Kaikai injected energy into the hosts’ attack.
As the hour mark passed, Cambridge enjoyed a slight edge in possession but struggled to convert it into clear chances. Birmingham, meanwhile, nearly made it three when Lewis Koumas met a Tomoki Iwata cross, only to see his header thwarted by Eastwood.
The Blues made a series of substitutions to freshen up the side, with Willum Willumsson and Kanya Fujimoto entering the fray. Kyogo, having ended his drought, departed to warm applause from the away section.
Then, in the 78th minute, Birmingham appeared to put the tie to bed. Winning the ball high up the pitch, Doyle found Marvin Ducksch, who slotted home first time for a 3-0 lead. The Blues’ bench erupted, sensing safe passage to the next round. But cup football rarely follows the script.
Almost immediately, Cambridge responded. Sullay Kaikai, a recent introduction, struck twice in quick succession—first in the 81st minute, then again in the 89th. His first was a low drive from the center of the box, and his second, set up by Mamadou Jobe’s header after a free kick, sent the home fans into a frenzy and set up a tense finale.
With five minutes of added time signaled by referee Matthew Corlett—who handled the occasion with calm authority—Cambridge pressed desperately for an equalizer. Birmingham, who had struggled on the road all season, found themselves under immense pressure, with Neumann called into action after replacing the injured Robinson.
Despite the late onslaught, the Blues held firm. The final whistle brought relief and celebration for the visitors, while Cambridge’s players and fans could hold their heads high after a valiant fightback that nearly forced a replay.
After the match, Chris Davies praised his team’s resilience: "We knew it would be a tough night, especially given Cambridge’s home form. The lads showed real character, especially in those final minutes." On Kyogo’s performance, Davies added, "He’s worked hard all season. That goal will do him the world of good."
For Cambridge, the defeat was bitter but not without positives. Harris’ side demonstrated why they are one of League Two’s most formidable home teams, and Kaikai’s late brace will give them confidence as they return to league action.
For Birmingham City, the victory provides a welcome morale boost and a ticket to the FA Cup fourth round. The Blues will hope to build on this result as they juggle a packed Championship schedule, while Cambridge can take pride in pushing a higher-league opponent to the brink. The magic of the FA Cup, it seems, is alive and well at The Abbey.
