Birmingham avoided an upset in the Carling Cup after coming from behind at St Mary’s to beat League One Southampton.

Saints had deservedly opened the scoring six minutes after the break when Adam Lallana curled one into the top corner, but Blues equalised after a lovely passing move saw Christian Benitez feed Lee Bowyer to drive a lot shot home in the 77th minute.

And the Premier League side went on to get the winner three minutes later through Lee Carsley, who finished under home goalkeeper Kelvin Davis from Stuart Parnaby’s pull-back.

For Alex McLeish’s side it was revenge, after their exit to Southampton at the same stage last seaso when both were in the Championship.

Blues now go into Saturday’s third round draw.