It was billed as the Cup Winners' Cup battle, but there was no parity other than that tag.

FA Cup winners Manchester against Carling Cup holders Blues was an intriguing prospect on the face of it, and a nice pre-match line.

Yet it ended as a fairly routine victory for Manchester as Blues grasp on the trophy was gently prised away.

Given the financial and playing disparity, and the divisional gap between the teams, a Blues defeat was hardly a surprise.

But it was not a cakewalk that some had feared.

And, indeed, in the last quarter of the match Blues were the more threatening and cohesive team and were unfortunate not to have gained reward for their urgent testing of Manchester's resolve.

David Murphy had a free-kick tipped over and Marlon King stung Costel Pantilimon's fingers with a fierce drive as Blues appeared well capable by the end.

Blues got better as the third round tie went on and the reintroduction of an eager Nikola Zigic was a definite positive to come from last night.

Only Keith Fahey, returning from injury, survived as a starter from Wembley in the XI here.

Liam Ridgewell and Stephen Carr were absent injured, while  Zigic came on as substitute.