Sheffield Wednesday reached the Carabao Cup fourth round for the first time since 2015 after a 1-0 win at Blackpool.
The only goal of a scrappy contest packed full of industry but low on quality came in the 34th minute.
Di’Shon Bernard claimed his first goal in Wednesday colours, firing home from close range after Michael Smith expertly headed Pol Valentin’s delivery back across the face of goal. It was the former Manchester United defender’s first goal in over three years.
The hosts showed more attacking intent after falling behind but failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.
Callum Paterson, one of 11 changes made by Wednesday boss Danny Rohl, could have doubled Wednesday’s advantage early in the second half. The big Scot headed straight at Richard O’Donnell when well-placed after more good work from Valentin down the right flank.
League One side Blackpool had their moments, with Dom Thompson forcing Pierce Charles into action before Jordan Rhodes glanced over Elliot Embleton’s inviting left-wing cross.
Both sides made a raft of changes late on but the Seasiders failed to land a decisive blow as new boss Steve Bruce suffered his first defeat in front of a crowd of 5,429 at Bloomfield Road.
