Burton manager Gary Bowyer was “absolutely buzzing” after his young side beat Tranmere 5-4 on penalties to reach the Carabao Cup second round following a 1-1 draw at Prenton Park.
Finn Delap struck the decisive kick in sudden death after Josh Davison missed, setting up a home tie with Lincoln.
Bowyer said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I’ve just said to the lads ‘that’s one of the highlights of my career’.
“I’m usually very reserved in my praise for everyone, but that was unbelievable, I’m so proud, it was amazing.”
Albion went ahead in the 10th minute when Ben Whitfield prodded in from six yards after Tyrese Shade’s effort was deflected into his path.
Tranmere levelled before the break as Charlie Whitaker headed in after Kamil Dudek parried Sol Solomon’s strike.
Rovers pressed for a winner in the second half but Burton held firm to force penalties and eventually progressed with Dudek the hero, denying Lee O’Connor when he had the chance to win it for Rovers.
Boss Bowyer added: “Nights like tonight are what we do our jobs for. I’ve seen some things and been very fortunate in my career, but that is right up there.
“I said at half-time that if we have to take it to penalties then Kamil Dudek will win it for us and he nodded at me with a smile.
“This will provide the players with memories that will stick with them for the rest of their lives, whatever happens in their careers.”
Tranmere manager Andy Crosby took the positives from the defeat, saying: “I’m delighted with the performance and really delighted with lots of aspects of our play tonight.
“I want people to recognise what our team looks like consistently and we are making steps.
“We’ve only been together for a short period of time and I saw lots of aspects of tonight’s performance that really pleased me both collectively and individually.
“I was really pleased with what I saw, but disappointed with the result and how it finished in the end, but credit to Burton.”
