United 2-3 Birmingham City: 10th January 2026
It wasn't to be on Saturday evening
We’re delighted to have friend of the pod Matt Ramsay contributing match reports for the UTAS website from his vantage point in the press box. There are no finer U’s writers than Matt, so if you haven’t subscribed already, you know what to do if you want to enjoy even more United coverage…
It had taken a significant effort for the U’s to win at Stockport and take their place in the third round of the FA Cup.
With Premier League teams entering at this stage, to draw Birmingham at home wasn’t the reward fans would have hoped for, and Saturday evening’s defeat ensured that this season’s campaign won’t be remembered in the same breaths as famous runs in years gone by.
No need to be over-alarmist despite a rare Abbey defeat; a positive result at Fleetwood next Saturday will keep United well placed to achieve their season’s goal of a promotion which has looked an increasing probability over the course of two unbeaten months.
And the manner in which they turned a comfortable Birmingham win into a nervy closing to the game courtesy of Sullay Kaikai’s brace is the clear positive to take from the game. With the deficit suddenly only one goal, United really could have mounted a three-goal comeback and turn it into a night that really would be remembered into the future.
The legendary win at Newcastle four years ago will forever be spoken about, unlike the somewhat meek home defeat against Luton in the following round. 3-0 down late on, Saturday might have followed a similar route, so at least Kaikai’s goals and the way it energised the crowd during injury time puts a positive slant on the game even in defeat.
