RORY Watson proved he could step up to the mark in goal after his late penalty save helped Hull City's development side to a 1-0 Premier League Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday.
After a goal-less first half left City frustrated, an explosive final quarter saw Karim Rossi head the Tigers ahead and the sense of relief could be felt as the ball hit the net.
Watson, who could end up on the subs' bench for Saturday's trip to Liverpool because of a first-team keeper crisis, protected the lead after stopping Mani Dieseruvwe's spot-kick ten minutes before the end.
Positive signs came from the start for Tony Pennock's side as Max Clark had a dig from long range, before Wednesday keeper Joe Wildsmith was called to make two strong saves from Brian Lenihan and Sam Topliss' crosses.
The Owls, on the other hand, were left to threaten on the counter attack. With Dieseruvwe looking a threat up front, Paul Corry's early header was just a bit too soft.
Rossi's early strike sailed over the bar, albeit from a very tight angle, but City were finding gaps particularly well. Likewise, though, Wednesday found themselves in the right place to block any threats.
Just when they looked comfortable, a slip from City's Matty Dixon saw Rhys McCabe pounce on the loose possession, but Watson's strong block smothered the golden opportunity to go ahead.
Calaum Jahraldo-Martin proved a constant thorn in the Owls' defence, and the midfielder was unlucky on numerous occasions not to convert his chances.
His best opportunity of the opening half came on 40 minutes when good work from Johan Ter Horst opened a gap, but he took the wrong option and chose to shoot as team-mate Jonny Margetts was in a far better position.
With the scores tied at the break, you could see the Tigers were frustrated not to be ahead.
Wednesday did press for the opener in the second half and Ryan Meadows' header came close to sailing into the net.
Harry Maguire, heavily involved defensively, saw his shot blocked at the other end, but the Tigers were beginning to dominate down the right through Jahraldo-Martin and Ter Horst.
That combination provided the winner after 75 minutes when Rossi met Jahraldo-Martin's cross with precision and his header was just enough to loop over Wildsmith.
Having deservedly taken the lead, City were left with their hearts in their mouths minutes later as Wednesday were awarded a soft spot-kick and a chance to take the match into extra-time.
Jahraldo-Martin was as surprised as anyone to see his challenge on Rafael Floro penalised. Nevertheless, up stepped Dieseruvwe, but the wall of Watson almost single-handedly sent City through to the next round by making a confident stop.
Nerves jangled as the Owls pressed again late on, but City held on to progress in South Yorkshire.
