Hull City 1-1 Birmingham City: Matty Jacob scores late to cancel out Lukas Jutkiewicz opener
- Published
- comments
FA Cup: Hull earn replay with late equaliser
Matty Jacob scored an 87th-minute equaliser as Hull City forced an FA Cup third-round replay to deny fellow Championship side Birmingham City in their first game after sacking Wayne Rooney as manager.
Managerless Blues, who are 20th in the league, seemed set for a much-needed boost following a fine defensive performance as Lukas Jutkiewicz's first-half header had put them in front.
But defender Jacob's close-range tap-in following a fumble from goalkeeper Neil Etheridge meant Birmingham, with Steve Spooner in interim charge following Rooney's exit after two wins from his 15 games, were unable to hold on for a first victory in six.
Hull, seventh in the table and just a point off the play-off places, failed to register an attempt on target in the first half but improved on the resumption and finally found a way past keeper Etheridge.
Etheridge made several decent saves, notably to thwart the excellent Aaron Connolly, but the striker finally made a telling impact when his late shot was parried into the path of Jacob.
It was a thrilling end to a fascinating tussle between two sides who, predictably, chose to use the FA Cup as an opportunity to give opportunities to fringe players.
The seven changes apiece did not result in any obvious rustiness or a lack of cohesion. But Blues settled more effectively, posing the greater goal threat in the first half despite Hull having the better of the possession throughout.
Jutkiewicz was one of the men to come in following the visitors' 3-0 defeat at Leeds United and he twice went close to putting the visitors ahead in the first period, seeing a shot well saved by keeper Ryan Allsop and then missing the target with another left-footed strike.
The striker's radar soon returned though, his powerful downward header just Birmingham's second goal in four games.
Blues almost doubled their lead a minute later as Siriki Dembele's strike hit the bar, but the majority of the rest of the game saw the visitors in defensive mode.
Former Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray is favourite to take charge, but whoever comes in will have likely been impressed with Birmingham's resolve, tenacity and commitment against a home side who upped the tempo and quality in the final third as the game progressed.
Etheridge stood firm when called into action on several occasions as veteran striker Billy Sharp's introduction buoyed the Hull attack, but was glad to see a Connolly effort drift just wide as his side edged towards a rare away win.
However, he could not prevent Jacob, making his full debut and just his second appearance, following up to level and earn Hull a replay with his first senior goal.
There was still time for chances at both ends, with Birmingham's Jay Stansfield going closest when his injury-time effort was brilliantly saved by Allsop.
Hull City boss Liam Rosenior told BBC Radio Humberside:
"We are still in the hat. We're disappointed not to win but delighted with a lot of individual performances, some players really grasped the opportunity.
"Matty Jacob was outstanding. He's going to play more games if he plays like that. He was fearless. Some took their opportunity and some didn't. I learned a lot.
"I felt we were by far the better team. We create opportunities and have one v one moments and arrive in the box but we need to be more ruthless. Maybe I am putting pressure on myself but we need to be a top-six team.
"This club gave me an unbelievable memory of my life where we went on a cup run and I'd rather be in a cup, you deal with the games that you play. Fortunately, because of the performances of Andy Smith and Harry Vaughan, and Matty Jacob, I know I can rely on those younger players."
Birmingham City interim boss Steve Spooner told BBC WM:
"It's very disappointing to concede at any time but when you are that near to the finishing post it's not a nice way to draw.
"I feel particularly sorry for the players because they have given absolutely everything. They have listened to what we have asked of them tactically and have applied the game plan excellently. The players showed immense character.
"We might have been 2-0 up in the first half and that looks a very different game. I'm encouraged and buoyed by the level of commitment and how resolute, determined and resilient we looked. It was a very pleasing performance.
"The defensive unit looked very good. I thought we were going to get over the line but it wasn't to be.
"It's been tough this week, but it's been enjoyable. If the new manager is in Monday, that's great, if he's not we'll look after the players again, pick up where we left off and carry on working."