Sheffield Wednesday progressed to the next stage of the Carabao Cup for the first time in six years with a 1-0 victory over Blackpool.
The decisive goal was scored in the 34th minute of a hard-fought match that lacked finesse but was full of effort.
Di’Shon Bernard netted his first goal for Sheffield Wednesday, tapping in from close range following Michael Smith's clever header from Pol Valentin's cross. This marked the former Manchester United defender's first goal in more than three years.
Despite falling behind, Blackpool struggled to create any clear chances in the first half.
In the second half, Callum Paterson, who was one of 11 changes made by Wednesday manager Danny Rohl, had a good opportunity to double the lead but his header was saved by Blackpool goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell.
Blackpool, competing from League One, had their moments as Dom Thompson tested Sheffield Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles, while Jordan Rhodes narrowly missed scoring from Elliot Embleton’s cross.
Both teams made substitutions towards the end of the match, but Blackpool couldn't find the equalizer, resulting in a defeat for new manager Steve Bruce in front of a crowd of 5,429 at Bloomfield Road.