Leeds United survived a major scare to reach the FA Cup fifth round after defeating Birmingham City 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s on Sunday.

Leeds appeared on course for victory when Lukas Nmecha fired them ahead early in the second half. However, Birmingham substitute Patrick Roberts struck in the 89th minute to force extra time in a fiercely contested fourth-round tie.

With neither side able to find a winner after 120 minutes, the match was decided from the spot. Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff all converted their penalties for Daniel Farke’s side.

Birmingham faltered in the shoot-out as Tommy Doyle saw his effort saved by Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri, before Roberts blazed over the crossbar.

Despite battling relegation in the Premier League, Leeds are now one win away from reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since the 2002-03 season.

Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers avoided an upset with a 1-0 victory at fourth-tier Grimsby Town. Grimsby had shocked Manchester United in the League Cup earlier this campaign, but Wolves steered clear of similar embarrassment.

Santiago Bueno scored the decisive goal in the 60th minute with Wolves’ first shot on target on a mud-soaked pitch at Blundell Park. Grimsby rarely threatened, forcing Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone into a save only in the 90th minute through Andy Cook’s header.

It marked Wolves’ first away win since beating Manchester United in April. Rooted to the bottom of the Premier League under Rob Edwards, Wolves’ FA Cup run offers a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult season.