Cox 57

Big-spending Manchester City missed their first chance of silverware under their wealthy Abu Dhabi regime, thanks to two West Bromwich Albion goals in three early second-half minutes.

Both sides were way understrength. And City paid the price, despite a fine display from former first-choice goalkeeper, Republic of Ireland international Shay Given.

Much-maligned Brazilian striker Jo fired City ahead with his second goal in consecutive midweek cup-ties, after his Europa League goal last week, a left-foot shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Given was soon the busier keeper, however. He acrobatically turned aside Roman Bednar’s lob on 24 minutes.

And he produced an even better double save ten minutes before half-time, denying Giles Barnes and recovering to block Somen Tchoyi’s effort from the rebound.

Bednar also headed a good chance wide before the break, but the Baggies soon turned matters around.

Dutch defender Gianni Zuiverloon equalised on 55 minutes with a low right-foot drive from 20 yards.

And two minutes later, Simon Cox latched onto Bednar’s header from a Boaz Myhill kick-out and shrugged off two tackles before firing home right-footed.

James Milner’s stoppage-time effort was City’s one clear chance of an equaliser. But Myhill was equal to it.