Huddersfield Town 2 Birmingham City 1:Birmingham crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round as Chris Brandon struck a late winner for League One side Huddersfield at the Galpharm Stadium.
It was far from the ideal introduction to the competition for Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, but Huddersfield's all-action display was a textbook example of the kind of upset for which the cup is famed.
The afternoon started well for the hosts when Luke Beckett prodded home from close range and although Garry O'Connor drew the Premier League side level before the break, the impressive Brandon volleyed home emphatically to seal the win.
After just four minutes, the hosts were ahead. Danny Schofield unleashed a shot which Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor could only parry and Beckett pounced to stab home the rebound.
But the visitors were level in the 20th minute. Fabrice Muamba, shrugged off Robbie Williams' attentions to make room for a shot and although goalkeeper Matt Glennon got a firm hand to the shot the ball broke to O'Connor, who slotted home with ease.
O'Connor thought he had given the visitors the lead after 24 minutes but he saw his celebrations cut short by an offside verdict.
The match remained open and Brandon was unfortunate to be denied a goal by a combination of Taylor and the woodwork.
Gary McSheffrey, not impressing on Birmingham's left despite plenty of possession, had chances in the closing stages but produced little of note. Instead it was Brandon who was left to claim the winner. Beckett heaved a cross deep into the danger area and Brandon was given space at the opposite upright to drill home his volley.
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