Ndlovu, having started in a front three alongside Horsfield and Burchill, missed two first-half chances, the first when his long-shot was spooned onto the bar by keeper Taylor, the other when he should have scored with a point-blank header.

But he made no mistake when fed by an AJ run, and he ignored the presence of Danny Sonner in space to his right to control and finish with aplomb.

As against Preston, the introduction of Andy Johnson had proved crucial for Birmingham. He had replaced Burchill who had impressed with his sharpness but was restricted to headers in the first half and tired enough to be replaced by the hour-mark.

Wycombe were not out of the tie in a goalless first half. Their instructions had obviously been to shoot on sight, with Michael Simpson and Mo Harkin's two efforts the proof.

However, Ian Bennett was not duly tested, though two penalty shouts might have been seen differently by another referee.

The bad news was Nicky Eaden's withdrawal with what appeared to be knee tendon problems to cast doubt on his availability for the visit to Watford on Sunday.