Spot-on Owls secure 2nd round spot

Last updated : 12 August 2011 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday saw off Blackpool in the 1st round of the Carling Cup on Thursday evening after a long night at Hillsborough.

The sides couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes or a further 30 minutes of extra-time but Wednesday went through by scoring 4 out of 4 from the penalty spot as Blackpool paid the price for failing with their first 2 attempts.

Both clubs clearly had other priorities going into the game as the Owls made 10 changes from the side that started the season opener on Saturday and Ian Holloway rotated his entire team. Both sides showed plenty of endeavour but there was little goalmouth action for the paying public or those watching on TV.

The visitors picked up the pace in the second half and were imposing themselves on the game before youngster Ashley Eastham was rightly shown red for a two-footed challenge on Mark Reynolds; the defender luckily came away from the tackle unscathed.

Wednesday looked to capitalise on their numerical advantage and threw defender Reda Johnson forward to play alongside Clinton Morrison. The home side finally created chances with Morrison setting up Palmer who drove narrowly wide from long-range and then the striker teed up Giles Coke moments before the final whistle but his side footed effort was comfortably saved.

James O’Connor curled a shot just wide in the 1st half of extra time and Cecil Nyoni clipped a shot agonisingly past the post in the 2nd period. Blackpool also looked dangerous with Wednesday clearly tiring but the game seemed destined for penalties.

Owls keeper Richard O’Donnell gave his team the perfect start to the shoot out by saving Billy Clarke’s spot kick and when Neil Eardley ballooned the visitors 2nd penalty way over the bar Wednesday were in the ascendancy. Palmer, Otsemobor, Morrison and O’Connor all made no mistake to send Wednesday through.

The draw for the 2nd round sees the Owls travel to Premier League side Blackburn Rovers with the tie to take place during the week commencing 22nd August.