Ricardo Fuller and Eddie Lewis dumped 10-man Premiership newcomers Birmingham City out of the Worthington Cup at St Andrews.

Jamaican striker Fuller sent former Scotland boss Craig Brown's side on their way into the last 16 with a 58th-minute opener.

The 23-year-old had already made himself a hero with the Preston fans by scoring twice in the local derby success over Burnley on Saturday.

Then 12 minutes from time United States international Lewis, who had set up the first goal, settled matters for the First Division side.

To add to the Blues' misery striker Geoff Horsfield was sent off for violent conduct after 28 minutes and he now faces a three-match ban.

Steve Bruce made seven changes from that which had defeated Bolton 3-1 in a crucial Premiership encounter on Saturday.

But that should take none of the credit away from the visitors in a competition which has never seen them progress past the fourth round.

The opening 45 minutes was a low-key affair in a barely half-full St Andrews and it was 23 minutes before the first semblance of a chance fell to Blues midfielder Bryan Hughes.

Horsfield threaded the ball into his path but Preston keeper David Lucas came out quickly to smother his left-footed shot.

At the other end Ian Bennett dealt comfortably with a 25-yard volley from David Healy before Horsfield's sending-off five minutes later brought the crowd to life.

The former bricklayer appeared to elbow Preston full-back Graham Alexander in front of the visitors' dug-out and referee Graham Poll instantly brandished a red card.

It was the last thing that acting skipper Horsfield would have wanted in his an attempt to force his way back into the Blues' starting line-up.

Blues briefly sparked into life despite their numerical disadvantage and Clinton Morrison turned smartly on the edge of the area and tested Lucas with a drive.

Bruce opted for a half-time switch, bringing on young striker Craig Fagan for Mat Sadler as he reverted to a 3-4-2 system.