CHRIS Turner never won a League Cup tie as Pool manager - last night his old club ensured his misery continued in the most dramatic of circumstances.

Pool won 5-4 on penalties at Hillsborough on a night of high drama as Sheffield Wednesday, the club who Turner joined last year, were unceremoniously turfed out of the Carling Cup.

Jim Provett was Pool's unlikely penalty hero, saving Dean Smith's effort in the shoot-out - and when Pool clinically netted all five of theirs, one of their most memorable nights was assured.

Paul Robinson cancelled out Graeme Lee's opener for the home side, Steven Istead put Pool in front only to concede a late leveller to take the tie to penalties. And it was left to midfielder Gavin Strachan, who was on trial at Hillsborough, to net the winner.

And there was no repeat of the penalties heartache suffered at Cheltenham last year.

The spirit which Turner built during four years at Victoria Park came to the fore last night, because after going a goal behind, Pool turned the tables on their old boss and oh, what drama!

Under Turner, Pool had bowed out to Tranmere, Forest, Burnley and Crewe. Under Cooper, Pool have beaten the club which won the League Cup in 1991 with Turner in goal. "Turner out" sang the Pool fans at the end.

Provett was a surprise starter in goal - Anthony Williams was left out after conceding three on Saturday - and he was outstanding. He made his first fine save with his legs when Shefki Kuqi beat a static defence and shot low from 18 yards.

That, though, was the only chance 20 minutes into the game. Pool, who will be back at Hillsborough in Division Two action on February 14 next year, were solid, if unspectacular.

Chris Westwood started at right-back, but he soon moved to the middle as Pool switched to three centre-halves. Mark Tinkler started the game after missing out on Saturday with an ankle injury, but he went off after 32 minutes, replaced by Micky Barron.

And within a minute Pool could easily have been in front. Eifion Williams robbed the ball from keeper Ola Tidman after he went to collect Paul Robinson's through ball, teed up Darrell Clarke but his shot was cleared off the line by Dean Smith.

Straight up to the other end and Provett, on only his second start for Pool had to get down low to push out a deflected Richard Evans free-kick.

Wednesday's Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Quinn was a constant menace, but the insurance of an extra man in the middle of the park soon reduced his influence.

From a set-piece, however, there was nothing Pool could do to stop him. Curled over the Pool defence from the right, it was met - inevitably - by Lee and he powerfully headed home in front of the Hillsborough Kop.

Williams raced onto Clarke's through ball and was poleaxed by keeper Ola Tidman to give Pool a swift lifeline. And Paul Robinson slotted in his second goal in as many games to send the 1,300 travelling fans wild. The game was now as exciting as Saturday's 4-3 win at Peterborough - well, almost.

Robinson earned Pool a corner after another mazy run but Wednesday broke away and Provett made another fantastic save to keep Pool in the game, throwing his body in the way of Grant Holt's thumping volley.

Kevin Henderson replaced Darrell Clarke in extra-time, fellow substitute Steven Istead moved to the right - and within seconds the subs linked up to give Pool a deserved lead. Henderson crossed from the left, Istead nipped in and just like Matty Robson on Saturday, the deftest of diversions took the ball into the net. But Richard Wood tapped in a low cross to deny the visitors - temporarily.

Result: Sheffield Wednesday 2, Hartlepool United 2. (aet Hartlepool win 5 - 4 on penalties).

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