Lincoln City dominated from the off as they sealed their place in the last eight of the Papa John’s Trophy.
An impressive display of skill and intensity saw the Imps earn a comfortable 4-0 win at the LNER Stadium.
Zak Elbouzedi opened the scoring for the Imps in the 32nd minute, before second half goals from Robbie Gotts, Brennan Johnson and Jorge Grant rounded off the win and saw the Imps move one step closer to Wembley.
Michael Appleton made three changes to his line-up in the 1-1 draw with Peterborough United at the weekend. Robbie Gotts replaced Lewis Montsma, meaning that TJ Eyoma moved into the middle of the defence.
Dominant First Half
It was a lively start from the Imps, forcing two early chances. Brennan Johnson rounded Toby Savin in the Stanley goal but saw his effort deflected behind by an Accrington defender.
Only a couple of minutes later and Anthony Scully broke down the right-hand side before playing a ball across the box to find Elbouzedi, whose effort went firing over the bar.
Chances were coming in quick succession as the Imps forced two quick saves from Toby Savin shortly before the 20th minute. The first came after Anthony Scully was played through on goal by Johnson, but Savin stood strong to turn Scully’s effort behind for a corner.
The second came just seconds later after Jorge Grant whipped a superb ball into the edge of the area, with Brenna Johnson then forcing the Stanley ‘keeper into a close-range save.
The Imps should have taken the lead in 28th minute through Elbouzedi. It was the right-hand side that was proving threatening for the Imps once again, as a ball into the box found the Irishman at the back post, but his effort close-range hit the crossbar instead of finding the back of the net.
Four minutes later and the Imps finally had their deserved lead. It was third time lucky for Elbouzedi, as after more excellent play the Lincoln was found in the box to finish from 10 yards out.
Accrington were trying to find a way back into the game but Alex Palmer was still yet to be tested in the home goal. City could have doubled their lead in the 37th minute through Brennan Johnson, as the Nottingham Forest loanee found himself one-on-one again with the Accrington ‘keeper, who stood strong to make the save.
The visitors then had their first clear-cut chance at goal shortly before half-time. City failed to clear their lines, allowing Zehn Mohammed to fire an attempt at goal, but it did not trouble Palmer.
Half-time: Lincoln City 1-0 Accrington Stanley
Lincoln started the second half with the same pace and intensity as the first half and doubled their lead in the 53rd minute. A delicate chip back into the area found Robbie Gotts whose diving header found the back of the net.
Michael Appleton’s were dominating in impressive style, attacking with plenty of threat on every attack.
The 63rd minute saw the home side make it 3-0. Elbouzedi attacked down the left-hand side once again before playing a low cross to Brennan Johnson, who took a touch before firing home.
Confidence was brewing in the Imps line-up and they looked like they could score with every attack. City were putting the Accrington defence under immense pressure as they look to add more to their lead.
Anthony Scully and TJ Eyoma both had efforts late on from the right-hand side, but both sent their efforts over the bar.
With the game looking settled, Jorge Grant then made it 4-0 in injury time with a calmly slotted goal from the edge of the area.
Lincoln City are next in action at home to Gillingham in League One on January 19.