Birmingham City and Ipswich Town completed the semi-final line-up for the Carling Cup after claiming hard-fought victories on Wednesday.
Birmingham beat midlands rivals Aston Villa 2-1 to set up a clash with West Ham United while Championship side Ipswich Town saw off West Bromwich Albion 1-0 and now play Arsenal.
Nikola Zigic’s struck late as Birmingham edged out Villa.
Sebastian Larsson had given Birmingham the lead from the penalty spot but Gabriel Agbonlahor equalized before the home side stole it late on.
“It’s a great feeling,” Birmingham captain Barry Ferguson said.
“It’s been a long time coming. We’re in the semis now so anything could happen.
“We’ve shown that mentality all season, the guys never lie down.
Villa had chances but I was always confident we could win it. The manager is building a new team and we’re starting to close the gap on Villa.” Grand Leadbitter’s penalty 21 minutes from time was enough to give Roy Keane’s Ipswich side victory over their Premier League opponents West Brom.
