SOCCER: Leeds beat Birmingham on penalties in Cup, Wolves survive Grimsby mud bath

LONDON – Leeds United needed penalties, and Wolverhampton Wanderers battled a muddy pitch, but both advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, in a strong showing for top-flight sides.

Second-tier Birmingham City drew level late against Leeds at home when Patrick Roberts struck a stunning goal, cancelling out Lukas Nmecha’s opener shortly after halftime. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Leeds converted all their kicks, while Birmingham’s Tommy Doyle saw his effort saved by Lucas Perri, and Roberts blazed the decisive attempt over the bar.

Wolves, struggling in the league and facing likely relegation, kept their FA Cup hopes alive with a 1-0 win at fourth-tier Grimsby Town on a waterlogged pitch reminiscent of old-school English football. Santiago Bueno scored the only goal in the 60th minute, redirecting a Joao Gomes cross past Grimsby goalkeeper Jackson Smith. Grimsby, who famously eliminated Manchester United from the League Cup this season, managed only one shot on target, a late header from Andy Cook.

Meanwhile, a rotated Fulham squad recovered from a goal down to defeat second-tier Stoke City 2-1, thanks to goals from Kevin and Harrison Reed, ending a three-match winless streak.

Sunderland also reached the fifth round with a 1-0 victory at Championship strugglers Oxford United, as Habib Diarra’s first-half penalty proved decisive for Regis Le Bris’ side.

Arsenal will host Wigan Athletic in the late Sunday match. -Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Hugh Lawson/Reuters