But that isn't much consolation to Blackpool, who can only look back on a heartbreaking last-ditch defeat after an epic Carling Cup tie saw the Seasiders throw away a two-goal lead in the space of five horrid minutes before coming back at their Premier League hosts once again – only to be denied at the death.

It was quite entertaining watching all the journalists who have to send stories the moment the final whistle blows, having to frantically rewrite their copy time and time again as every new goal went in at the Britannia Stadium.

One hack in particular, wearing a cardigan and glasses and seated at the far end of the press box, looked as if he might combust at any given moment.

An extraordinary tie was finally settled in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time when Charlie Adam, of all people, made an error which allowed the unlikely figure of Stoke captain and left-back Andy Griffin to claim possession, dart into the area and drill a low shot into the bottom corner.

Matthew Gilks, who, strange as it sounds, played well despite conceding four, got a hand to the ball but couldn't stop it going in.

While Pool held head in hands, Stoke celebrated in joyous fashion.

Defeat hurt, but there were more plus points than negatives.

A very youthful Pool side, including 18-year-old Ashley Eastham making his debut (the lad was terrific), took a very good Premier League side all the way.

In short, it might be Stoke who march into the fourth round but it is Pool who will take most pride from the encounter.

Prior to the game I'd spent a little time researching Stoke and was somewhat surprised to discover that almost five million tourists a year visit the city.

While I have nothing but admiration for what is a fine place (it has art galleries, museums, many major pottery companies and, bizarrely, a monkey forest containing 140 barbary macaques – the little critters you'd encounter should you visit the Rock of Gibraltar), it is hard to imagine a young couple from, say, Barcelona, poring over travel brochures before suddenly perking up and chiming in unison: "You know, this summer I really fancy Stoke. But is a fortnight enough or should we go for longer?"

Mind you, folk from Spain – who tend to like the odd ciggie – might feel some kinship to Stoke. You may recall the city became the only place in England where the 2007 smoking ban failed to come into effect because of a "bureaucratic blunder". The error resulted in the national press coming up with the moniker "Smoke-on-Trent".

Still, Tony Pulis and his football team have given Stoke plenty to be proud of in recent years, rising from the lower leagues to the top flight and continuing to go from strength to strength.

Much of that success has been built on a terrific home record.

Only two teams have won at the Britannia Stadium this year – Chelsea a couple of weeks ago (and that required a 94th-minute winner from Florent Malouda) and West Ham in May.

It shows how rare it is for an opposition side to leave Stoke's patch with something to show for their efforts – so full credit to Pool for coming so close.

Would they have done better had they fielded a full-strength side? Perhaps, but Ian Holloway felt he had no choice but to rest some of the players who have exuded so much effort in recent weeks – and to give others a chance to impress.

He made eight changes to the side which started at Forest on Saturday, though that was nothing compared to Stoke – with Manchester United to come at the weekend, Tony Pulis changed all 11.

I don't blame either manager for their selection – they're right to value the league higher (especially Holloway, who has a crippling injury list and a small squad to start with).

But it is a shame in some respects because we're not talking about some worthless piece of silverware on offer here – the League Cup is the second most important domestic Cup competition and offers its winners a passport to European football.

However, the modern-day game – when there are so many fixtures, so many competitions, and so many TV schedulers to please – means managers have no choice but to prioritise.

Initially the game seemed to suffer from the number of personnel changes, with the opening exchanges a little lifeless.

Adam tried his best, chipping keeper Steve Simonsen from the halfway line but watching his shot hit the roof of the net. So close to a wonder goal.

A strangely lacklustre Stoke had barely mustered an attack by the time the Seasiders scored on 40 minutes.

Adam slid the ball to David Vaughan, who fired a dipping, swerving shot into the bottom corner from 22 yards – a fine strike.

It was just reward for a half of impressive, passing football and things got even better two minutes after the break when Billy Clarke headed David Vaughan's flag-kick into the top corner.

Ironic that against set-piece kings Stoke, Clarke – the smallest man on the pitch – had managed to win, and convert, a header from a corner.

All seemed rosy, especially when Matt Gilks dived to his right to save a 55th-minute Liam Lawrence penalty. Justice was done as Eastham and Alex Baptiste had been harshly adjudged to have fouled Tuncay.

James Beattie, looking a tad sluggish after an injury lay-off, chipped over when scoring seemed easier.

But the home side weren't giving up easily and began to increase the pressure, especially after the 64th minute introduction of two of their big guns, Ricardo Fuller and Matthew Etherington.

Tuncay missed a bit of a sitter soon after, electing to chip rather than put his foot through the ball after being sent clear. It was an odd choice and it cost him as he failed to hit the target.

But with just 15 minutes remaining, Stoke made the breakthrough in simple fashion – an Etherington corner headed in by Danny Higginbotham.
On 78 minutes Etherington himself scored, hooking the ball past Gilks from close range.

And two minutes later, to complete an incredible turnaround, Fuller converted into an unguarded net, finishing a move he started. Stoke got lucky though, Rob Edwards tackled Etherington in the area but the ball broke kindly for the home side.

"Who are ya?" the home fans gleefully chanted at the Blackpool contingent – before sitting down in slightly embarrassed fashion 60 seconds later when Joe Martin crossed from the left and Ben Burgess powered home a header. 3-3.

Thomas had a shot saved and Adam again tried his luck from distance, while Gilks kept out shots from Danny Pugh and Michael Tonge.

Extra- time seemed certain until Griffin's late intervention sealed victory for a relieved home side.

Harsh on Pool but in the long run it might do them good. Al Bangura got 90 minutes and looked solid. So did Martin and Clarke, who got a very welcome first goal for the club.

Then there's Eastham, the debutant doing himself proud.

Stoke might have triumphed but, my word, they knew they'd been involved in a serious battle.