Sheffield United are in the hat for the second round of the Carling Cup after edging past Port Vale at Bramall Lane.
But it was close - the Blades not becoming comfortable at 3-1 until the end when Danny Webber scored a 90th minute penalty.
United's 2008-9 league season had got off to a last minute downer with last Saturday's defeat at Birmingham.
While the C
arling Cup is nobody's ultimate priority, a defeat would not be acceptable to United manager Kevin Blackwell.
Against a League two side buzzing with confidence following their 3-1 victory at Luton Town on the curtain-raising weekend, United knew this would be no walk in the park, despite home advantage and the two-league gulf in pedigree.
The last time Vale had visited it was a catastrophic 4-1 loss..and it cost Adrian Heath his job.
With that in mind, it was good to see United the more assertive team from the off, with Stephen Quinn the most prominent performer.
Darius Henderson was also was a key contributor, as United pressed.
Sheffield-born Port Vale player Louis Dodds had a half-chance at the other end, but the shot was blocked.
It was Lee Hendrie who gave the Blades the goal their build-up play deserved on 41 minutes.
Yet Port Vale clawed back, and Ugo Ehigou's own goal levelled matters on 53 mins, much to the disgruntlement of the Bramall Lane faithful.
Neither team could claim ascendancy at this point, which was a factor which again did not endear itself to some Blades fans.
And the frustration continued as Derek Geary was booked for unsporting behaviour.
But on 71 minutes the relief was audible as Quinn notched United's second of the evening.
Vale were not done though and went looking for an equaliser forcing a couple of corners and keeping the ball well.
As United headed into the fitnal straight, David Cotterill and most of those aound of him showed composure, although, generally, it was still too close a scoreline for comfort, with Ian Bennett having to tip ove a shot with a minute on the clock.
But Webber's penalty put the matter beyond doubt.
United: Bennett, Cotterill, Kilgallon, Henderson, Webber, Hendrie, Armstrong, Spring, Geary, Quinn, Ehogiu.
Subs: Kenny, Morgan, Stead, Montgomery, Sharp, Robertson, Naughton.
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