Joe Willock’s brace helped Newcastle United eke past Birmingham City in an FA Cup thriller to progress into the fifth round of the competition. Birmingham took the lead inside a minute through ex-Man United prodigy Ethan Laird, who smashed past Nick Pope with the help of a deflection from Callum Wilson.

Good afternoon and welcome to Chronicle Live's coverage of Newcastle United vs Birmingham City in the FA Cup. The Magpies travel to the Midlands hoping to build on Wednesday night's thriller in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal.

Ethan Laird put the hosts ahead inside the first minute at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park but Willock levelled matters in a thoroughly absorbing opening to the contest.Callum Wilson then prodded home