Bradford City 0-5 Lincoln City: Imps set up Liverpool tie
- Published
James Jones (left) curled home Lincoln's fourth goal before half-time
Lincoln City hammered League Two Bradford City to set up a Carabao Cup third-round tie at home to Premier League champions Liverpool.
The Imps raced into a 2-0 lead in the opening six minutes thanks to an own goal from Tyler French and Anthony Scully's close-range finish.
Lewis Montsma volleyed a third before James Jones curled in a beauty to make it 4-0 at half-time.
Callum Morton completed the scoring with a tap-in in injury time.
The victory means League One Lincoln will play Liverpool for the first time since February 1961, when the two teams met in the old second division.
They utterly outclassed the Bantams throughout on a night when they matched their biggest ever win in this competition.
Jones' wonderfully struck 20-yarder was the pick of the bunch for Michael Appleton's men as they reached the third round of the League Cup for the first time since 1996-97.
Including a penalty shootout success over Scunthorpe in the EFL Trophy, they have now won all four of their games this season.
Bradford manager Stuart McCall:
"It was an uncomfortable night for us. Lincoln are a good side, but to be two goals down after six minutes was not the start we were looking for.
"I am hugely disappointed to concede five goals, but I am also disappointed to concede when you look at the height we had in the team.
"We gave away two stupid free-kicks and didn't defend them. The only way we can get this out our system is to give a good performance in the league at Forest Green on Saturday."
Lincoln boss Michael Appleton:
"We were always confident we could win the game, but we didn't believe we would be 4-0 up at half time.
"We were outstanding on the counter attack in the first half and took our opportunities when they came along with some ruthless finishing.
"After being 4-0 up at half time it was going to be difficult to maintain that level of intensity, but I was pleased with the way we defended in the second half.
"The Liverpool match will be great for the club and great for the city. It is just a shame we can't fill our ground at Sincil Bank and put Liverpool under the cosh, but it is a great opportunity for our players. It is a chance for our lads to put on a performance and enjoy it."