FA Cup round-up: Heartbreak for Blyth as Birmingham stun Spartans

Birrmingham City broke Blyth Spartans' hearts with a fantastic second-half fightback as the Championship side eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Northern Premier side, who are 141 league places below the Blues, had gone 2-0 up in the first period at Croft Park, thanks to captain Robbie Dale.

But a strike from Lee Novak and a Wes Thomas brace saw the Midlanders through to the next stage of the competition.

Leicester City’s recent upturn in form continued as they defeated managerless Newcastle United 1-0 at the King Power Stadium.

Leonardo Ulloa was the goal hero as he headed home a cross from Anthony Knockaert six minutes before half time, making the Magpies the first Premier League side to be knocked out of the competition this season.

Chris Taylor’s brace was enough to help Blackburn Rovers sneak past Championship rivals Charlton at The Valley.

The midfielder’s double sandwiched a Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson equaliser ten minutes after the restart as Gary Bowyer’s men ran out 2-1 winners, while the Addick had Yoni Buyens sent off.

Steve McClaren’s Derby County avoided a tricky trip to Southport’s Merseyrail Community Stadium as they beat the Conference outfit 1-0 with a late Chris Martin penalty.

Saido Berahino scored four goals to give Tony Pulis the perfect start as new West Brom manager, as the Baggies massacred non-league Gateshead 7-0 at the Hawthorns.

Fellow Premier League side Swansea also made light work of their third round opponents, Garry Monk’s men running out 6-2 winners at Tranmere with striker Bafetimbi Gomis netting twice late on.

Meanwhile, Championship leaders Bournemouth continued their excellent run of form, beating Rotherham 5-1 at the New York Stadium thanks to Yann Kermorgant’s brace, and Ricardo Fuller’s dramatic late goal secured a third-round replay for Millwall as the Lions battled to a 3-3 draw with Bradford.

Bolton beat Wigan 1-0 at the Macron Stadium, thanks to Zach Clough's effort.

Another all-Championship clash, Brentford v Brighton, ended with the Seagulls progressing to the next round. Lewis Dunk and Chris O'Grady with the goals for the south coast club at Griffin Park.

Cambridge United beat League Two rivals Luton Town 2-1 at the Abbey Stadium, thanks to Robbie Simpson and Ryan Donaldson's strikes.

Bristol City have loan star Matt Smith to thank as they forced Doncaster Rovers to a replay.

Luke McCullough had put the hosts ahead at the start of the second half but striker Smith’s header with 15 minutes to go saved Steve Cotterill’s side from defeat, earning them a 1-1 draw.

A Nick Blackman striker with 21 minutes left on the clock was all it took for Championship side Reading to book their place in the fourth round as they beat Huddersfield Town, who also saw Jonathan Hogg sent off late on, 1-0.

Meanwhile, nothing could separate Championship sides Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers as they held each other to a 0-0 stalemate at Craven Cottage.

Preston overcame Norwich 2-0 at Deepdale, Paul Gallagher scoring twice, and a lone first-half penalty from Peter Vincenti saw league One Rochdale shock Nottingham Forest 1-0 at Spotland.

Middlesbrough beat Barnsley 2-0, while Blackburn beat Charlton 2-1 at The Valley.

FA Cup third round results

Barnsley 0-2 Middlesbrough

Blyth Spartans 2-3 Birmingham

Bolton 1-0 Wigan

Brentford 0-2 Brighton

Cambridge 2-1 Luton

Charlton 1-2 Blackburn

Derby 1-0 Southport

Doncaster 1-1 Bristol City

Fulham 0-0 Wolves

Huddersfield 0-1 Reading

Leicester 1-0 Newcastle

Millwall 3-3 Bradford

Preston 2-0 Norwich

Rochdale 1-0 Nottm Forest

Rotherham 1-5 Bournemouth

Tranmere 2-6 Swansea

West Brom 7-0 Gateshead