Bury 1 Sheffield Wednesday 3 by Steve Canavan

FOR the fans, this was a bit like seeing an Oscar winning film for 45 minutes then turning to the other side and watching Crossroads.

Bury produced a performance of such Jekyll and Hyde proportions that it left manager Andy Preece tearing his hair out.

The Shakers were in great nick first half, creating a bagful of chances. After the break though it was the opposite as Wednesday dominated and ran out comfortable winners.

"The first half was the best I've seen the team play since I became manager," sighed Preece.

"Early on I was ecstatic and thinking 'we're on our way'. Then after the break we were totally different and I'm really disappointed we are out of the cup.

"But we have to remember the way we played in those first 45 minutes and take that into the next match at Hudderfield."

Chris Billy, Gareth Seddon and Michael Nelson all went close early on as Wednesday - former winners of the League Cup - looked shell-shocked at the speed and determination of their Second Division hosts.

As Bury, and particularly Michael Nelson, sprayed the ball around, Peter Shreeves' side found it difficult to get past the half way line.

Unfortunately when they did, they scored.

Martyn Forrest lost the ball in midfield, Gerald Sibon's ball towards Efan Ekoku was just about to be cut out by Sam Collins when he slipped on the wet surface, leaving the big striker to round Paddy Kenny and tap home.

"I just slipped and he managed to nick it off me," was Collins assessment.

One down at half time but with the way Bury had dominated the first half, it wouldn't take long to equalise.

How wrong can a man be.

Wednesday - showing the class expected from a team who were in the Premiership two seasons ago - made chance after chance and it was no surprise when Danny Maddix bundled home Sibon's corner to double the advantage.

Preece made two changes bringing himself and Jason Jarrett on but within three minutes it was game over as Paul McClaren rifled in a superb shot at the back post to make it three.

Bury did have a few efforts in the last few minutes and Newby and Seddon both went close.

And the Shakers did grab a consolation. Paul Reid scored from the penalty spot four minutes from time after Maddix was harshly adjudged to have shoved Seddon.

Disappointment then for Bury but relief for the visitors.

After the weekend death of young reserve player Tom Stanniforth, Wednesday - sporting black armbands - had more than football on their minds.

"It was difficult for our players tonight because all our thoughts are with Tom's family. I, for one, know exactly how he feels," said Wednesday's assistant boss Terry Yorath, whose son Daniel died at the age of 15.

"But we are pleased to get through and delighted with the way we played in the second half."

BURY: Kenny 7, Unsworth 7, Armstrong 7, Redmond 6, Collins 6, Nelson 7, Forrest 7, Reid 6, Billy 7, Newby 7, Seddon 7. Subs: Preece (for Redmond 67), Jarrett (for Forrest 67), D Swailes, Murphy, Bullock. ATT: 3,129