Birmingham produced a second-half comeback to avoid an FA Cup third-round upset with a 2-1 win at Forest Green.
Goals from Lukas Jutkiewicz and Kevin Long sent Championship side Birmingham through despite a scare from League One’s bottom club.
A Ben Stevenson stunner after seven minutes put Rovers in front but Blues fought back to reach the fourth round.
Forest Green’s early pressure was rewarded when a short-corner routine was worked neatly to Stevenson and he planted a fine curling effort into the top corner from 25 yards.
Visiting captain Jutkiewicz gave Rovers goalkeeper Lewis Thomas no chance soon after the break when he fired a low effort from the edge of the area into the bottom corner.
Neil Etheridge produced an incredible double save at the other end to deny a spectacular Regan Hendry strike and a Matt Stevens follow-up to keep the scoreline level.
But Tahith Chong’s corner fell kindly for Long who side-footed home to complete the comeback after 65 minutes.
The win sets up a clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park.
