Leeds United 4 Lincoln City 0: Leeds find their scoring boots to shatter Lincoln's hopes of an upset

THE feelgood factor returned to Elland Road last night in readiness for Leeds United's televised Championship contest at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

League Two opponents Lincoln were brushed aside by a Leeds team eager to recover from their opening day defeat by Derby.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson's commitment to Carling Cup progress was reflected in a line-up showing just one change, Alex Bruce replacing Richard Naylor in central defence.

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Bruce, watched by his father Steve, the Sunderland manager, was rarely under pressure on a comfortable debut.

A mere one minute and 15 seconds had elapsed when acting Leeds captain Jonny Howson arrived at the far post to head home an inviting cross from Lloyd Sam, who had strayed to the left flank.

Lincoln were two down after seven minutes. Bradley Johnson picked out Sanchez Watt and Luciano Becchio met the winger's centre from the left to volley past keeper Joe Anyon from close range for his second goal in as many games.

Yellow-booted wingers Watt and Sam bedazzled the League Two side and Anyon twice denied Watt with desperate saves before Sam nodded Paul Connolly's long ball wide of the besieged keeper into the bottom right corner after 30 minutes.

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Anyon's defenders was offered scant protection by his defenders throughout and, when Paul Green tripped Sam in the 71st minute, Neil Kilkenny slotted in Leeds' fourth goal, from the penalty spot.

Leeds United: Schmeichel; Connolly, Bruce, Collins, Bessone; Watt, Howson (Hughes 72), Kilkenny, Johnson (White 62), Sam; Becchio (Grella 62). Unused substitutes: Higgs, Naylor, Bromby.

Lincoln City: Anyon; Green, Watts, Swaibu, Anderson (Clapham 46); Jarrett, Hughton, Kerr (Hutchinson 73), O'Keefe, Carayol; McCallum (Facey 62). Unused substitutes: Musselwhite, Keltie, Broughton, Clarke.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).