Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Birmingham
- Wolves’ Eggert Jonsson battles for the ball in a hard-fought encounter inside the Molineux. Photo: Guardian
A late Wade Elliot strike has sealed progression for Birmingham against Wolves in their FA Cup replay inside the Molineux.
In a close encounter, a second-half strike from a prone Wade Elliott was enough for the Championship side to end the Premier League club’s participation in the cup and extend Wolves’ winless run to nine games to boot.
Adam Hammill looked lively from the start down the right flank and his fine early cross was met by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, but under pressure the burly striker headed wide from inside the six-yard box.
The Blues had the chance of the half though when Rooney raced clean through, only to take too long and allow George Elokobi to make last-ditch saving tackle.
The second half and Wolves’ manager Mick McCarthy will have been disappointed that Jordon Mutch was allowed to run from deep before driving in a low shot which De Vries parried, but Doherty was unlucky when his fierce drive from outside the penalty area was deflected straight into the hands of ‘keeper Colin Doyle.
Their was to be no such luck later on though, with Elliot hitting the post from a corner ball. Laying on the floor after his effort, Murphy scambled the ball back to the midfielder, who swung a boot at the ball which was enough to send it past the Wolves goalkeeper.
The Blues can now look forward to an FA Cup fourth-round trip to Sheffield United.
Michael Landon
