Brown praise for cup heroes

"Things went for us tonight but give credit to the lads. They did well after the first 15 minutes when it looked as if they were going to wait for Birmingham to score before they reacted," said the Preston boss.

"After that we played well. The sending off was a critical point but very often it is difficult when you play against 10 men but we handled them excellently by using the full width of the pitch and stretching Birmingham.

"We did that and it was a sound performance from us. But anything in this competition is a bonus because the First Division remains our priority."

Jamaican international Fuller took his goal tally to three in two games - and eight for the season and was a constant threat to the home side's injury-hit defence.

Brown said: "Maybe that wasn't one of his better games but he's always a danger. He stayed on with a knock because his presence is important for us."

BIRMINGHAM MATCH REPORT