Accrington Stanley boss John Doolan was relieved to see his side beat non-league Rushall Olympic 2-0 and secure a place in the next round of the FA Cup.
Rushall competed well but the game swung in Accrington’s favour just past the hour mark when Luke Benbow was sent off for two yellow card offences.
Josh Woods poked home from close range for Accrington after 73 minutes, and the visitors sealed victory in the 84th minute through Tyler Walton’s shot into the bottom corner.
“I am very pleased,” Doolan said. “To be fair to Rushall, they did ask a couple of questions about the way they play, and the challenge for our lads was to play on astro and in a different environment.
“For the first 10 minutes it was a little bit lively, and then we grew into the game and got a little bit better.
“I am just so happy to be through and the lads are in the dressing room.
“It was a cup game and you want to be into the next round, and we are.
On the red card, Doolan added: “It was pivotal. They went a man down so we were able to move the ball a little bit more.”
Disappointed Rushall manager Adam Stevens said: “We were well in the game, we caused them quite a few problems and then it changed (the red card) because my centre forward was outstanding.
“The sad thing is it was a mistake by my goalkeeper for the first goal, but let’s not forget he was the one who got us over penalty shootouts and he has been excellent for us.
“Unfortunately, sometimes you need that bit of luck, and we didn’t get that.
“I really fancied us and the game was going that way. We had a great move early on but it got stuck under the forward’s feet.”
