Having not travelled down to Crossroads country on Thursday, we bring you the R17 thoughts on the game:
Wow! What a performance!
Every player gave his all tonight and amongst that there were a few stand out performances from Dawson, Wiseman, Jones and Cog.
We seemed more of a 4-4-2 tonight and I felt we had better balance going forward against a pretty strong Birmingham outfit.
Good turnout from Dale on a Thursday night for a game on telly, and we were in pretty good voice though we had plenty to sing about.
I thought we shaded the first half hour and missed a couple of presentable chances, whilst Brum scraped the outside of a post with their only chance.
Wiseman offered our best threat going forward and it was from his attacking that led to Jones poking the ball home for the opening goal.
Sadly 3 minutes later a dubious penalty was awarded by the linesman who appeared to signal for a free kick, then a goal kick and then a penalty. It was an amazing decision really which led to thevery unusual sight of Dale players surrounding an official, not seen since the likes of Martin Hodge and co. contested a Tony Ellis off side goal at Deepdale back in 1993!
Whether or not the penalty affected the outcome of the tie is impossible to say, but had we gone in at Half Time 1-0 up, then that would have given Hillcroft the chance to plan a different strategy to the one they eventually did with the score at 1-1.
Second half and we gave away a couple of weak goals - one came from a Widdowson slip and the other from a corner we didn't clear. At 3-1 you just hoped we wouldn't buckle and in true Hillcroft style we didn't. We had Brum on the back foot for much of the last quarter and Jones' second goal was a joy and was made by COG who was the best player on the park for me!
Had there been another ten minutes played I think we may have forced extra time, but sadly that was a bridge too far.
My marks for what they are worth are:
Lillis 7 - Not at fault for any goal, and had surprisingly little to do.
Wiseman 8 - Another splendid display. Hard to believe we nearly released him just 15 months ago.
Widdowson 7 - Up against a lively opponent, and Birmingham often managed to isolate him in their occasional attacks. Stuck at it though.
Dawson 9 - Commanding in the air, assured on the floor, read the game excellently. The watching scouts will have taken note.
Holness 8 - I thought he was very reliable again before being subbed.
Jones 9 - There's nothing left to be said about Jones that hasn't already been scribed. Brilliant.
JK 7 - worked hard and has got great industry. Not all his passing came off though.
BBM 8 - best game so far. A joy to watch him passing long to feet and short to feet instinctively and with almost 100% completion.
Tutte 8 - Played the Joey T role tonight and played it well. Excellent competitor who I just think might become a fan's favourite.
COG 9 - If he'd scored I'd have given my first ever ten! MOM. Wonderful control, sublime skills. His tricks work against Premiership players! For the first time ever it crossed my mind that COG may one day play in the Prem.
Elding 7 - Worked hard, but missed a presentable chance in the first half and an excellent chance in the second half after COG had put it on the proverbial plate!
Not going to rate the subs, but the brief glimpse we got of Josh Thompson was very encouraging. He's something in the style of an Alan Reeves at first glance. From Glasgow to St Andrews for the lad!
Disappointing home turnout of support, but the TV money of over 6 figures more than compensates for that!
Very proud to be a Dale fan tonight, and I'm sure Hillcroft will be bursting with pride at their young charges impressing the nation live on tv.
Roll on Brentford!