FA Cup review:Stoke City and Birmingham both enjoyed routine wins over npower League One opposition in the FA Cup's fifth round.
At the Britannia Stadium, Republic of Ireland striker Jon Walters was on the scoresheet as Stoke beat Brighton 3-0.
Tony Pulis’ side, through to the sixth round for the second successive year, scored all their goals in a one-sided first half from which there was no way back for League One leaders Albion.
Goalkeeper Peter Brezovan was at fault for the first two goals in the 14th and 22nd minutes, allowing John Carew and Walters to put the home side in control before Ryan Shawcross inflicted more misery on the visitors in the 43rd minute.
At St Andrew’s, Sheffield Wednesday’s hopes were crushed early on as Jean Beausejour and Obafemi Martins gave Birmingham a 2-0 lead inside 17 minutes.
The latter’s strike was his first goal since joining the club on loan last month from Rubin Kazan.
David Murphy then added a third in the 53rd minute to send Alex McLeish’s into the sixth round for the first time since 2006.
