Leeds United have survived an almighty scare in the FA Cup fourth round, having to rely on penalties to beat Birmingham City on Sunday afternoon.
The Peacocks travelled down the M1 to Birmingham, but made tough work of the Championship side at St Andrews. Lukas Nmecha had handed the Premier League side the lead, and he looked to have done enough heading into stoppage time.
However, former Manchester City starlet Patrick Roberts emerged from the bench to fire the Blues level in the 89th minute. It was a ding-dong battle as Birmingham threw the kitchen sink at Leeds, who, in turn, were looking to hit them on the break.
Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri saves the penalty of Birmingham City's Tommy Doyle (not picture) during the penalty shoot out at the end of the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, Birmingham.
Lucas Perri was the hero of the afternoon (Image: PA)
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It went to penalties and Leeds held their nerve from the spot, to win 4-2 and advance to the fifth round.
"Fair play to Leeds in ensuring we had a penalty shoot out this round of the FA Cup," one fan joked. While a second said: "We don’t progress to the 5th round of the FA Cup, let alone via penalties lol...This is not my Leeds United!"
"Leeds celebrating like they won the FA Cup against Championship opposition," a third fumed. And another added: "Got battered but got the job done. That's all that matters in cup ties. Take us all the way Leeds!"
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In a cruel twist of fate, it was Roberts, who had fired Birmingham level, who sent his penalty into orbit. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Clinton Morrison said: "It's a bad penalty from Patrick Roberts. He'll be heartbroken.
"Birmingham were outstanding. That shows if they do get promoted they can compete. You never like to see teams knocked out on penalties but good luck to Leeds in the next round."
Leeds are in the midst of a relegation battle in the Premier League, almost looking out on their feet in December.
However, they have since come out swinging and have started to climb up the table - currently sitting in 15th, six points above the drop zone.