Sunderland took a League Cup semi-final place for the first time in 14 years, although they left it late against ten men.

Mitchell Thomas' 35th-minute dismissal for a second bookable offence shattered the visitors' dreams of another First Division scalp.

Radio 5 Live's John Murray watched the game

But it was not until Michael Bridges produced something a little special at the death that they had to admit defeat.

Sunderland dominated for long periods, but created few clear openings against spirited opposition.

In a disjointed start, neither side was able to exercise any real control, and Sunderland in particular were guilty of failing to make the most of a wealth of possession.

Niall Quinn: This was not the best we've played this season

The normally reliable Thomas Sorensen, though, suffered an uncomfortable start in the Sunderland goal although the home side should have gone in front with 19 minutes gone when Bridges' flick put Niall Quinn clear.

The big Irishman deftly looped the ball over defender Steve Davis, but then dragged his left-foot volley hopelessly wide with the goal at his mercy.

Sending off

But perhaps the key moment in the game came five minutes later when Luton full-back Thomas reacted angrily to Kevin Ball's full-blooded challenge and sparked a spat which cost both men a yellow card.

Ball responded by forcing a superb diving save from Kelvin Davis on 29 minutes but Thomas' reaction was less impressive.

The defender needlessly upended Quinn wide on the Sunderland right and referee Eddie Lomas produced a second yellow card.

The opener was an own goal from Marvin Johnson five minutes before the break.

Andy Melville got up to flick on Allan Johnston's left-wing cross, and Johnson could only help the ball into his own net.

Pressure fails until late on

It was all Sunderland after the break, but Peter Reid's side made hard work of forcing their way past the 10 men of Luton.

Quinn had a chance and Johnson almost collected a second own goal and the home side's failure to make the pressure count was causing unease in the stands.

The nervousness finally ended a minute from time when Bridges twisted and turned his way to the edge of the box before curling a beautiful right foot shot past Davis' despairing dive and into the bottom corner.

And Quinn wrapped things up in style when he cheekily lobbed Davis three minutes into injury time to confirm the victory.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, Scott, Ball, Melville, Butler, Summerbee, Clark, Quinn, Bridges, Johnston. Subs: Craddock, Marriott, McCann, Dichio, Williams.

Luton: K. Davis, Alexander, Thomas, Spring, S. Davis, Johnson, McKinnon, Evers, Douglas, Gray, McGowan. Subs: McIndoe, Abbey, McLaren, Doherty, White.