At Bramall Lane

10th February 2001

Att: 19,313

Lacking defensive pillar Darren Purse, Birmingham gave a debut to on-loan Charlton defender Carl Tiler, but the centre-back was fully exposed by the United attack on his return to one of his former clubs.

Devlin converted a 42nd minute penalty to hand United a two-goal lead after Shaun Murphy had opened the scoring just after the half hour mark from close range.

Peschisolido put the game beyond Birmingham's reach with a point blank header on 64 minutes to end United's run of five games without a win.

Geoff Horsfield headed a late consolation goal for Birmingham two minutes from full-time.

The Blues looked the livelier of the two sides in the opening 25 minutes and in the first minute Nicky Eaden saw his 10-yard shot deflected wide for a corner, while former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Danny Sonner forced Simon Tracey into a fine save from a stinging volley.

Despite Birmingham's positive play, it was the home side who broke the deadlock. Rob Kozluk's deep free-kick was headed back across goal by Keith Curle only for striker Laurent D'Jaffo to head the ball against the Birmingham bar.

But before the Blues defenders could clear the danger Murphy stepped up to tap the ball into an empty net.

Birmingham nearly found themselves further behind when Jerry Gill had to clear off the line from Peschisolido.

United doubled their lead with three minutes of the half remaining with what looked a harsh decision.

Peschisolido was given space to flick the ball up and referee Michael Jones decided that it hit Eaden's hand inside the area. The former Barnsley defender was retreating into position as Pesch turned away from goal.

Devlin, deputising for the suspended Bobby Ford, stepped up to blast the ball past Birmingham keeper Ian Bennett.

After the break the Blues rarely threatened United's goal, their best opportunity coming as early as the 47th minute. Kozluk was forced to clear off the line after Horsfield connected with a Sonner cross.

United went close on 63 minutes when Peter Ndlovu connected to a Devlin cross after a slip from Eaden. But Ndlovu, who was making his home debut after moving from St Andrews, could only fire his shot straight at the charging Bennett.

The home side were not to be denied their third of the afternoon when Peschisolido netted his second goal in as many games. The on-loan Fulham forward rose to meet a Michael Brown cross two yards out to leave Bennett with no chance.

Birmingham grabbed a consolation on 87 minutes when a Jon McCarthy cross was headed home by Horsfield, but it was too little too late for the Worthington Cup finalists, who must concentrate on league form if the Cardiff final is not a mere consolation prize for the season's efforts.