Sunderland reached the Papa John's Trophy final for a second time in three seasons as they beat League One leaders Lincoln in a penalty shootout.
Charlie Wyke's header - his 22nd goal of the season - forced penalties after Anthony Scully's tap-in put City ahead.
Sunderland, 2019 runners-up, will meet Tranmere Rovers in the final on Sunday 14 March after the League Two side beat Oxford 2-0 in Tuesday's first semi.
Both keepers got hands to several penalties in a nervy shootout but neither could make a save, with Howarth's miss - his penalty clipping the top of the bar on its way over - proving decisive as 2018 winners Lincoln bowed out.