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| Phil Bardsley celebrates scoring Stoke's winning goal against Sheffield Wednesday |
IBRAHAM AFELLAY and Phil Bardsley picked a perfect time to net their opening Stoke goals as the Potters went through to their first League Cup semi-final since 1972.
Dutch international Afellay produced a fine volley after 30 minutes to give Mark Hughes’ side the upper hand at the Britannia Stadium.
And half-time substitute Bardsley drilled home a 30-yard shot with 15 minutes remaining to provide breathing space.
The Premier League side, who lost striker Peter Crouch to an early injury, reached the last four for the first time since they lifted the trophy 44 seasons ago.
Stoke manager Mark Hughes said: “It’s a big challenge for us because there are some very good teams left in the competition.
“We fancy our chances, whoever we come up against.”
Stoke struggled to find top gear but Championship side Wednesday rarely troubled England keeper Jack Butland.
After a drab start, Stoke were forced into an early change when Crouch stretched awkwardly and went down holding his hamstring. He was replaced as Stoke’s lone striker by Joselu.
Stoke had the first shot on target moments later when Glen Johnson’s disguised pass found Jonathan Walters, whose low effort was held by keeper Joe Wildsmith.
Stoke were awarded a free-kick 25 yards from goal as they looked to dominate but Marko Arnautovic sent it over the bar.
Then Wildsmith had to make a nervous-looking save as he pushed an effort from Marco van Ginkel round the post.
But the hosts went ahead with a moment of class on the half-hour when Joselu’s cross from the right was volleyed home superbly by Afellay from 15 yards.
Wednesday survived a long spell effectively down to 10 men due to an injury to Tom Lees, who was eventually replaced by Daniel Pudil.
Both sides made further changes at half-time with Lewis McGugan entering the fray for Wednesday and Bardsley replacing Johnson at right-back for Stoke.
The Potters could have doubled their lead within a minute of the restart when Joselu rose to meet a corner by Afellay but could only direct his effort straight at Wildsmith.
Another great chance went begging for Stoke when Bardsley’s fine cross-field pass found Joselu, whose low shot was parried well by Wildsmith.
The rebound found Afellay on the edge of the box but his shot was charged down.
Then, after 75 minutes, Bardsley put the result beyond doubt when he met a free-kick from Van Ginkel and powered home a drive off the base of the post.
Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal said: “I’m unhappy because we are out but I am happy about what we did in the whole competition.
“We played against a very strong team and they deserved to go through.”
STOKE (4-2-3-1): Butland; Johnson (Bardsley 45), Wilson, Wollscheid, Pieters; Cameron, Van Ginkel; Walters, Afellay, Arnautovic (Whelan 88); Crouch (Joselu 14). Booked: Van Ginkel. Goals: Afellay 30, Bardsley 75.
SHEFFIELD WED (4-4-2): Wildsmith; Hunt (McGugan 45), Lees (Pudil 38), Loovens (Nuhiu 77), Wiggins; Wallace, Hutchinson, Lee, Sougou; Hooper, Joao. Booked: Sougou.
Referee: J Moss (West Yorkshire).stoke city 2
sheff wed 0
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