BLACKPOOL have the LDV Vans trophy bit between their teeth after a fine 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday gave them the edge going into the second leg at Hillsborough.

A crowd well above 20,000 is expected in the steel city a week on Wednesday -- and Blackpool need to repeat their hard working performance on Tuesday.

An end-to-end first half saw both sides test the woodwork, with Tony Dinning rattling the bar with a long range effort and the lively Mike Sheron went close with a dipping volley after beating two defenders.

At the other end, wing-back Paul Smith headed against the bar from a corner, while Lee Jones made a superb save from veteran, Mark Robins', header.

The second half was more of a war of attrition, with Wednesday attempting to cling on for a goalless draw and Blackpool struggling to break them down.

It took a couple of pieces of quick thinking to break Wednesday's resistance. A quick free kick put Tony Dinning in and, rather than taking the obvious option of a shot at goal, the experienced midfielder clipped the ball across for Scott Taylor to head home goal number 27 of the campaign.

It was no more than Blackpool deserved, and gives Steve McMahon a great chance of leading out the Seasiders at Cardiff for the third time in four years.

Credit also to Mike Jones for a common sense refereeing performance which contrasted sharply with some of the efforts from his colleagues in recent weeks.

It put sharply into contrast the performance of another third-rate card happy referee, which blighted Blackpool's draw at Tranmere on Saturday.

Still recovering from the appalling performance of Lee Mason the previous week, Blackpool's players again found themselves walking on egg-shells thanks to an over-officious man in the middle. Mike Fletcher was (supposedly) in charge, and he proceeded to dish out five bookings to Blackpool players, with another three to Tranmere men, most of them for no good reason. The Seasiders went ahead through a goal by ex-Prenton Park man, Scott Taylor, who latched on to a superb pass from Richie Wellens to slot the ball past John Achterberg. It was a goal Taylor deserved for his hard work, and Blackpool looked on top until the 73rd minute.

Unfortunately, the equaliser was largely self inflicted. Stephen McMahon's back-pass was picked up by Eugene Dadi, whose weak initial effort was only half-cleared and found its way for livewire Candian international striker, Iain Hume, to slot the ball home.

Fletcher's 'generosity' has ruled Taylor and Coid out of the second leg of the LDV vans northern area final, putting Blackpool's small squad under extra pressure that it really doesn't need.

McMahon has called for an independent panel to look at video evidence on bookings and sendings off, review and, where necessary, over-ruling referee's decisions.

Big Steve Elliott will remain a Seasider at least until the end of the season. The Derby loan-man will stay with Blackpool after the Pride Park club agreed a deal to end his contract early. He is likely to be offered another 12 months at Bloomfield Road at the end of the season.

Steve McMahon is hoping to bring in another fresh face within the next couple of weeks. With injuries and suspensions mounting up again, McMahon says he has more irons in the fire ahead of the LDV Vans trophy second leg.

It's a Valentine's weekend off for players and fans this weekend as Colchester are in FA Cup action against Sheffield United. Blackpool's next fixture is a Friday night trip to Hartlepool a week tomorrow. Blackpool are hoping for their first double after the 4-1 win at Bloomfield Road.