Cambridge United’s FA Cup Heartbreak: Late Rally Falls Short Against Birmingham City

The magic of the FA Cup, often a stage for the underdog to shine, once again delivered a captivating narrative as League Two side Cambridge United hosted Championship outfit Birmingham City in a third-round clash on January 10, 2026. While Cambridge ultimately fell short, their spirited fightback against a higher-tier opponent at a freezing Abbey Stadium etched a memorable chapter in their cup history, even as Birmingham secured a 3-2 victory.

The day began with an air of caution and excitement. Earlier, non-league Macclesfield Town had sensationally dumped out holders Crystal Palace, a stark reminder of the FA Cup’s unpredictable nature. For Cambridge United, currently sitting sixth in League Two with an impressive second-best home record, this tie was a chance to test their mettle. Birmingham City, meanwhile, arrived in Cambridge needing a morale-boosting win, especially given their dreadful away form this season, despite having returned to winning ways recently in league action.

The pitch at The Abbey had been declared playable after a midday inspection, though the bitterly cold conditions and a somewhat bobbly surface promised a scrappy affair. Referee Matthew Corlett, a familiar face from both League One and League Two, was in charge, having recently handled a Championship fixture, suggesting a level of experience suitable for the occasion.

Birmingham City manager Chris Davies opted for an almost full-strength squad, making only two changes from their previous league win. Skipper Christoph Klarer returned from suspension, and Kyogo Furuhashi, whose goal drought since August had been well-documented, started in attack, replacing the injured Jay Stansfield. For Cambridge, former Blues captain Michael Morrison was on the bench, alongside Elias Kachunga. The home side’s lineup featured familiar names like Ben Knight and Appere in attack, hoping to exploit any defensive lapses from the visitors.

From the outset, the game lived up to its scrappy billing. Both teams battled the conditions as much as each other. Birmingham’s midfield duo, Tommy Doyle and Paik Seung-ho, gradually began to assert control, interchanging passes and attempting to play through Cambridge’s thirds. However, it was Cambridge who fashioned the game’s first clear-cut chance. A long throw-in wasn’t properly cleared by the Blues defense, falling invitingly to Ben Knight, who, to the dismay of the home crowd, blazed his shot over the bar. It was a golden opportunity missed, a moment that would later be replayed in the minds of Cambridge supporters.

As the first half wore on, Birmingham found their rhythm. The breakthrough came courtesy of a new face. Kai Wagner, making his mark for the Blues, found the back of the net, registering his first goal for the club. The goal originated from a blocked effort by Kyogo, with Wagner pouncing on the rebound from the edge of the box to beat Cambridge goalkeeper Eastwood. The away end erupted, and the mood shifted. Just before halftime, the moment many Birmingham fans had been waiting for arrived. Kyogo Furuhashi, seizing on a defensive error from Rossi, stole the ball, sprinted towards the box, and fired a clinical shot into the corner. It was his first goal in five months, a significant moment for the Japanese striker who had faced rumors of a return to Celtic in the preceding week. The half ended with Birmingham firmly in control, 2-0 up.

The second half saw Birmingham start quietly, perhaps resting on their two-goal cushion. However, they soon went close to extending their lead, with Lewis Koumas heading an Iwata cross just wide. The third goal, which seemed to put the tie beyond doubt, arrived when Marvin Ducksch slotted home after Doyle picked him out, making it 3-0 to Birmingham. At this point, many might have assumed the game was over, a comfortable passage for the Championship side.

But Cambridge United, buoyed by their home support and the spirit of the FA Cup, refused to surrender. Manager Neil Harris made tactical changes, bringing on Sullay Kaikai and Shayne Lavery, both of whom had history with the Blues. Lavery had even notched a goal against Birmingham on the final day of the previous season. The substitutions injected new life into the U’s attack. Ben Knight, despite his earlier misses, continued to press, though another similar chance again sailed over the bar, highlighting Cambridge’s struggle for clinical finishing.

The fightback truly ignited with Sullay Kaikai. First, he pulled one back for Cambridge, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up involving Blues defender Phil Neumann, who inadvertently played the ball straight to Kaikai. The goal sparked belief among the home faithful. Just moments later, Kaikai struck again, smashing another shot home from the edge of the box. Suddenly, it was 3-2, and the atmosphere inside The Abbey was electric. Birmingham, who had seemed so comfortable, found themselves under immense pressure, with five minutes of added time to navigate.

The closing minutes were a tense affair. Cambridge pushed relentlessly for an equalizer, with Ben Purrington coming close in the dying moments, but Birmingham’s defense, though rattled, held firm. The final whistle brought relief for the visitors and a sense of pride mixed with disappointment for Cambridge United. They had shown immense character to come back from three goals down, making Birmingham fight for every inch of their victory. For players like Kanya Fujimoto, who couldn’t even get a game in a cup tie despite being a playmaker, it raised questions about his future under Chris Davies, a poignant subplot amidst the cup drama.

Ultimately, while Birmingham City secured their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Cambridge United’s performance, particularly their late surge, served as a powerful reminder of the competition’s enduring appeal. They showcased resilience and a fighting spirit that, despite the loss, left their supporters with a sense of pride and a glimpse of what their team is capable of against stronger opposition.