Lincoln City made it 22 games unbeaten and extended their lead at the top of SkyBet League One to seven points after they defeated visiting Rotherham United by three goals to nil.
A Ted Cann own goal, Reeco Hackett strike and a deflected Ben House effort allowed the Imps to collect all three points against a devoid of inspiration Millers outfit.
Michael Skubala made three changes from the side that were held to a 2-2 draw with Huddersfield Town with Hackett, Ivan Varfolomeev and Ryley Towler all coming into the starting 11.
Dominant first half display
Early Imps pressure created the first chance of the game, as after a period of successive corners and getting into good areas, Rob Street found the ball at his feet inside the Millers penalty area, but his effort was deflected wide.
Neither side was able to take control of the early phases, with fouls being committed and passes going astray leading into a scrappy encounter. The Millers did look to break in the 15th minute, but George Wickens did well to claim the through ball.
The Imps took the lead just two minutes later though, as Reeco Hackett was found by Ryley Towler and squeezed an effort through Ted Cann, who should’ve dealt with the strike.
Rotherham looked to level, and created a glorious chance in the 26th minute, as captain, Joe Rafferty, burst towards the backpost to meet a deep cross, but he couldn’t connect with it.
Ben House doubled the Imps lead in the 34th minute, as smart play through midfield saw Reeco Hackett square the ball for Ben House, who flicked goalwards and, thanks to a deflection from Joe Rafferty, beat the ‘keeper.
Michael Skubala’s side were unrelenting as they pushed for a third, with Jack Moylan dragging an effort past the far post, before Ben House was denied from close range by a great reflex save a few minutes later.
A trademark Tom Hamer long throw lead to a third for the Imps just before the halftime break, as Sonny Bradley kept the ball alive and found Reeco Hackett, who at the second time of trying, made it a brace with a composed finish.
The Imps went into the break in cruise control, three to the good, after a totally dominant first 45 in front of an attendance of 10,071.
In cruise control
The first chance of the second half came ten minutes into it, as a short corner allowed Ivan Varfolomeev to take aim from the edge of the area, but Ted Cann held easily.
Neither side were able to create any clear cut chances, as we sailed past the hour mark on a sunny day at the LNER Stadium.
Sam Nombe tried his luck from distance for the visitors in the 68th minute, but his strike was always rising.
Tom Hamer had the chance to make it four, as he met Reeco Hackett’s cross, but his header flew over the top. It was Conor McGrandles’ turn to come close for the hosts next, as in the 76th minute, he curled an effort from range that whistled past the far post.
The flurry of chances continued, as Tendayi Darikwa poked an effort with the outside of his right boot, that grazed the outside of the post and drifted wide.
The Imps saw out the remainder of the afternoon without leaving second gear, in a professional second half performance.
For Lincoln City, the win sees them extend the gap at the top of the table to seven points, with Cardiff City dropping points earlier in the day.
It also sees the Imps’ unbeaten run extend to 22 games, a run that stretches back to November 22. Lincoln City host AFC Wimbledon next, in the Good Friday fixture, that could see the Imps promoted if results go their way.
For the visitors, Rotherham drop further into the relegation zone. The Millers host Stevenage next, with new manager Lee Clark looking to pick up his first points.