A second half comeback from Birmingham City was enough to see off Rovers, despite a valiant effort from the hosts.

Ben Stevenson’s incredible strike from 25 yards out put Rovers 1-0 up at the break. Stevenson’s effort was the first real chance of the game too, and he finished in some style, curling it into the top right corner.

Birmingham then had their first chance of the match as Hannibal Mejbri’s cross found Lukas Jutkiewicz who headed over the bar.

Another big chance came for FGR as Myles Peart-Harris picked it up inside the box and he curled an effort which looked set for the top corner before Neil Etheridge tipped it over.

The Championship side made three changes at the break, looking to turn things around in what was a disappointing first half showing.

The chances then came in thick and fast with the first falling to Scott Hogan whose effort was saved tremendously by Lewis Thomas who got down low.

Shortly after, Blues had their first of the game as Jutkiewicz slotted it into the bottom left corner from the edge of the box.

Rovers did then grow back into the game with some positive attacking play on show.

The ball fell to Regan Hendry on the edge of the box who caught it incredibly on the half volley, Etheridge tipped it onto the bar before the ball fell to Matty Stevens inside the six-yard box who was somehow denied by some brilliance by the Blues goalkeeper keeper yet again, who saved it at point blank range.

Just moments later, Birmingham went up the other end and put themselves in the lead as Kevin Long slotted home a loose ball from inside the box following a corner.

Ian Burchnall made a triple change with a look to improve things as Jordon Garrick came on with Bryan Fiabema and Olly Casey.

There were a few positive passages of play but it was all too little too late for Rovers as Blues’ class helped them over the line.

A memorable FA Cup journey comes to end for Rovers after reaching the third round for just the third time in their history.

Attendance: 3,701 (1,098 away).