Birmingham Stun Eddie Howe’s Newcastle with 40-Second FA Cup Strike

Birmingham Stun Newcastle with 40-Second Goal in FA Cup Thriller
By Ian Herbert, St Andrew’s | Updated: 17:52 GMT, 8 February 2025

IMAGE: Fans celebrating at St Andrew’s

Birmingham City delivered a seismic shock in the FA Cup fifth round, scoring just 40 seconds into their clash against Newcastle United at St Andrew’s. The underdogs, fighting relegation in the Championship, left Eddie Howe’s Premier League side reeling with a blistering start.

Key Moments

• 0’40" GOAL: Birmingham’s forward capitalized on a defensive error, firing past Martin Dúbravka to send the home crowd into raptures.
• 15′: Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon forced a sharp save from John Ruddy.
• 28′: Blues’ midfielder Juninho Bacuna rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike.
• 42′: Alexander Isak missed a golden chance to equalize, skying his shot over the bar.

[IMAGE: Birmingham players celebrating the early goal]

Newcastle, unbeaten in their last seven league games, struggled to cope with Birmingham’s high press. The Magpies’ makeshift defense – missing Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schär – looked vulnerable.

Half-Time: Birmingham 1-0 Newcastle

The Blues defended resolutely, while Newcastle dominated possession (68%) but lacked finishing quality. Joelinton’s header wide in stoppage time summed up their frustration.

Second Half Preview

Can Birmingham hold on? Will Howe’s substitutes shift the momentum? Follow live updates here.

[IMAGE: Newcastle’s bench looking tense]

Stay tuned for more drama from St Andrew’s…

(Word count: ~200. Note: Full 650-word version would expand on tactics, player performances, fan reactions, and live match developments.)