Birmingham City are into the hat for the third round draw of the FA Cup after seeing off their League One counterparts Blackpool on Sunday. Lyndon Dykes and Lukas Jutkiewicz, paired together in attack, both found the net in the first half before Jordan Rhodes replied for the Tangerines in the second period.

Chris Davies made ten changes to the Blues side which had toppled Exeter City in the week, with only captain Krystian Bielik keeping his place. The intention was to give players minutes, but this was clearly a side - while Blues weren't at their strongest - set up to win. Blues duly raced into the lead early doors.

Marc Leonard's corner wasn't cleared and when it ran to Brandon Khela, the Blues youngster had the intelligence to set Dykes, who picked out the far corner. This was only the masked striker's second goal for the club since his summer switch from QPR and you could feel the significance of the breakthrough in his celebration.

Blues' lead was doubled inside half an hour. It was another set-piece which Blackpool didn't fully deal with. Taylor Gardner-Hickman collected the ball on the edge of the box after a corner was only half cleared, and his low drive was beaten by keeper Harry Tyrer into the path of Jutkiewicz, who converted from close range. Luke Harris could have extended that lead further in the first half, but Blues remained in a comfortable position.

Steve Bruce made four changes at half time and within ten minutes he'd enjoyed the fruits of his decision making. The wily Rhodes expertly picked out the corner of Bailey Peacock-Farrell's net, leaving the Blues keeper with little chance. Davies immediately made three substitutions, turning to experienced heads Keshi Anderson, Paik Seung-ho and Alfie May in order to regain control.

Those changes had the desired effect, and although Paik and May both passed up opportunities to secure a third - a goal which would have settled any nerves and the tie itself - in the closing stages of the game, Blues eased themselves into the third round, where they could give themselves a test against a side from higher up the pyramid.

Birmingham City player ratings v Blackpool

Peacock-Farrell 6.5

Another opportunity for Blues' current number two, who relinquished hold of the first choice spot. Good with his feet and although he had little chance to deny Rhodes, he was bold when coming forwards and claiming a couple of corners.

Gardner-Hickman 6.5

Operated at right-back and combined with Harris in the first half, mopping up at the back when necessary. His shot forced the goal Jutkiewicz claimed. Cleared one effort off the line when Blues came a little under fire at the beginning of the second half. Tidy display.

Bielik 6.5

The sole survivor of the XI which beat Exeter on Tuesday. A little lax in possession early on and he was robbed of possession which invited danger. Improved as the game wore on and remained formidable in the air, but Blues did look a little vulnerable at times in the second half.

Sanderson 6.5

A chance for Sanderson to impress, at a time when he is the only one of Blues' four senior centre halves currently out of the league starting XI. Began the game well enough, although the attacking changes at half time made by Bruce unsettled Blues.

Laird 7

Really good battle with Apter, who was as much of an outlet for Blackpool as anyone in tangerine, and he got the better of him. Lovely ball down the line to create a chance for Yokoyama. In what his not his natural position, this was a very decent showing.

Khela 6.5

Blues' youngster was at home in midfield alongside the cool Leonard. Intelligent use of the ball and vision led to him picking out Dykes, who opened the scoring early doors, when well placed. Showed for the ball often and looked comfortable throughout.

Leonard 7

A very classy showing, in a chance to stake another claim with Paik and Iwata ahead of him. Leonard exuded calmness but he married it with energy and with many a blade of grass was covered. Tested Blackpool with set pieces and they caused problems, leading to both first half goals.

Harris 6.5

Lively from the off. He buzzed around and tested Tyrer from range after good work as the most prominent attacker in one particular Blues venture forwards. Wanted the ball throughout, made good decisions. Prominence waned a little in the second half.

Yokoyama 6

On the periphery in the first half and unable to really get himself involved in proceedings. Did test Tyrer at his near post after a lovely pass from Laird and then again when played in by Harris. Was hooked after the hour mark.

Dykes 8*

The best masked hero since Zorro. A fine finish early on, connecting sweetly with the ball and picking out the corner through a penalty area packed with bodies. Ought to do his confidence the world of good. Deeper than Jutkiewicz and then May, he linked well and used his aerial prowess in the middle of the pitch and his own box.

Jutkiewicz 8

Acted as a foil for the creative talents around him, but he was rewarded for his efforts when well placed to tap home after a goalkeeper spill. Aerially dominant and ran himself into the ground for his hour of action, highly appreciated by the away end.

Subs

Anderson (for Yokoyama 59) 6

Anderson was warmly welcomed back to Blackpool by his former club's supporters. Bit more nous and experience off the bench, used his body well to win free kicks and ease the pressure.

May (for Jutkiewicz 59) 6

Not what you need to see as a centre half on the hour mark. May buzzed around and applied pressure as the first line of defence, although clear cut chances were limited until the last couple of minutes when he popped an effort over the bar.

Paik (for Khela 59) 6

The classy Paik could have scored shortly after his introduction. Brought more composure to the middle of the pitch as Blues sought to wrestle back the initiative.

Substitutes not used: Allsop, Klarer, Pennington, Betteka, Iwata

Blackpool: Tyrer, Husband, Pennington, Norburn, Joseph (Onomah 45), Embleton (Rhodes 45 (Morgan 81)), Ballard (Thompson 45), Casey, Offiah (Gabriel 68), Apter, Finnigan (Fletcher 45)

Substitutes not used: O'Donnell, Evans, Ashworth

GOALS

Blackpool - Rhodes 55; Blues - Dykes 6, Jutkiewicz 24

The ref: Tom Nield

Attendance: 4,835

Up next: Stockport County (H) - Wednesday 4 December, 7:45pm kick off

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