Accrington Stanley seals Carabao Cup spot
Accrington Stanley put in a dominant performance to sink Oldham Athletic and secure a home tie against Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup First Round.
In the second of two Preliminary Round fixtures, newly promoted Oldham Athletic made the short trip to Accrington with the prize of hosting 2024-2025 Vertu Trophy Winner Peterborough in the next round.
Oldham sold out its allocation of tickets and was supported vocally throughout the tie, though it did not have much to show for it on the pitch in the early exchanges.
Accrington hit the front early, with 18 year-old Anjola Popoola popping up at the back post to turn home Kelsey Mooney's cross in the 10th minute.
Mooney had a goal disallowed just a few minutes after but wasn't to be denied for long, completing a similar finish at the back post to give Stanley a 2-0 lead with just 17 minutes on the clock.
Shellshocked, Oldham looked to gain a foothold in the game and started to enjoy more possession, but was restricted to half-chances as Accrington looked to seal the result.
As the game passed the half-hour mark, Accrington added a third, with Josh Woods finishing smartly into the bottom corner after a difficult ball into the box for the Oldham goalkeeper.
Half-time arrived with Accrington firmly in the driver's seat, a home tie with League One side Peterborough on the horizon.
Oldham came out fighting in the second-half, showing intent to reduce the deficit despite the uneven scoreline.
its pressure told around the hour mark when Reagan Ogle's deflected shot from range looped into the top corner to roars from the away fans.
The visitor continued to press on but was restricted to shots from distance, attempts flying high and wide of the target.
Accrington looked like it may add to its tally in the closing minutes but was unable to do so, the game ending 3-1 and Stanley booking its place in the First Round.
