LDV Vans trophy holders Blackpool were knocked out of the competition by Crewe.

Striker Dean Ashton scored his first goal of the season to give Crewe the lead on the hour mark.

He shot in after Blackpool centre-half Chris Clarke failed to deal with a huge clearance by Crewe goalkeeper Ademole Bankole.

Ashton also assisted in Crewe's second goal 10 minutes later.

He pounced on Lee Bell's deflected shot and, although Phil Barnes made a good save, Rodney Jack was on hand to fire home the rebound from close range.

Blackpool had shaded an open first half in which both teams concentrated on playing attractive, passing football.

The pace of Martin Bullock provided a useful outlet and the winger came close to breaking the deadlock just before the break.

Richard Walker also had a good effort for the visitors, while his namesake had Crewe's best chance when forcing Barnes into a reflex save from a Kenny Lunt corner.

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Crewe: Bankole, Wright, Walker, Foster, Tierney, Lunt, Sorvel, Bell, Jack, Ashton, Jones. Subs: Ince, Walton, Hulse, Collins, Miles.

Blackpool: Barnes, Grayson, Chris Clarke, Jaszczun, Coid, Hills, Southern, Thornton, Bullock, Walker, Murphy. Subs: O'Kane, Wellens, Taylor, Dalglish, McMahon.

Referee: R Olivier (Sutton Coldfield).