Sky Bet League One high-flyers Mansfield took advantage of Marcus Poscha’s 16th-minute dismissal to beat sixth-tier Curzon Ashton 4-0 at the Tameside Stadium.
Poscha was adjudged to have handled Will Evans’ shot on the goal-line by referee Thomas Parsons, but left the pitch claiming the ball had struck his chest.
Lucas Akins bagged his second goal in successive games from the penalty spot to set Nigel Clough’s team on their way to the second round.
Their Vanarama National League North promotion-chasers had won three qualifying round ties to earn clash against Mansfield.
However, with the numerical disadvantage, the home side never threatened to cause an upset.
The contest was as good as over after 30 minutes when Evans and George Maris combined to tee up Stephen Quinn’s smart right-foot finish to double Mansfield’s lead.
Evans nearly made it 3-0 before the break from Quinn’s pass, however, the visitors had to wait until 17 minutes from time to further stamp their authority on the tie.
Substitute Ben Waine had already struck a post but when he connected with Ben Quinn’s assist after 73 minutes, his latest effort went in via the woodwork.
Ben Quinn then rounded off an impressive afternoon for Mansfield with his side’s fourth goal after 86 minutes.
