Lincoln ease past Harrogate challenge

League One Lincoln made their higher-division status count as goals from Jack Moylan, Freddie Draper and Rob Street sealed a comfortable 3-1 Carabao Cup win at Harrogate.

Ellis Taylor scored a consolation deep into stoppage time for the League Two hosts.

The Imps fielded a stronger starting line-up than their hosts, making five changes from the weekend compared to the Sulphurites’ seven, and the gulf in class was evident for all to see in the first-round tie.

Michael Skubala’s men forged ahead just before the half-hour mark when, after Harrogate struggled to clear their lines, Street guided a far-post header towards Moylan and he crashed a volley into the roof of the net from seven yards.

Ex-Southend goalkeeper Mark Oxley could again do little on the hour when Bobby Faulkner made a hash of an attempted headed clearance and left him exposed, allowing Draper to stab in from eight yards.

Sonny Bradley headed against the crossbar before the outcome was put beyond all doubt midway through the second half.

A sweeping move saw Moylan send substitute James Collins racing down the left and his low cross was turned in first time by Street.

There was 94 minutes on the clock when Taylor curled a 20-yard strike inside Zach Jeacock’s right-hand post.