Second Division Stockport cruised into the second round of the Worthington Cup with a win at Lincoln.

Player-manager Carlton Palmer gave County a 20th-minute lead when he nodded home a perfect cross from Martin Pemberton.

Lincoln's defence cracked again in the 54th minute when a 50-yard pass from Dave Challinor put Luke Beckett in the clear and the striker finished with a superb chip over the goalkeeper.

The Imps hit back four minutes later when substitute Adie Mike turned in a low shot for his second goal in three games.

But Lincoln's chances disappeared in the 73rd minute when they were reduced to 10 men after midfielder Scott Willis was red-carded for an off-the-ball incident.

County substitute Ben Burgess wasted a late chance but Rob Clare completed the scoring with a neat 83rd-minute header.

Lincoln City: Marriott, Morgan, Logan, Mayo, Bailey, Bimson, Sedgemore, Willis, Gain, Smith, Cropper. Subs: Pettinger, Buckley, Camm, Black, Mike.

Stockport: Ingham, Clare, Palmer, Challinor, Gibb, Pemberton, Briggs, Lescott, Hardiker, Beckett, Ross. Subs: Spencer, Burgess, Goodwin, Daly, Lambert.

Referee: P Taylor (Hertfordshire).