FA Cup: Altrincham 0 Burton Albion 2

Burton Albion emerged 2-0 victors in their FA Cup first-round replay at non-league Altrincham on Thursday.

Chris Palmer and Calvin Zola both struck in the second half as the League Two outfit earned a second-round showdown with Crewe Alexandra.

Gary Rowett’s men were keen to avoid an upset after their thrilling 3-3 draw with Altrincham almost a fortnight ago.

But they were fortunate not to fall behind when Damien Reeves found himself in space on eight minutes.

Scott Leather had whipped in a cross but the Altrincham striker could not prevent his shot from sailing over the crossbar.

The visitors had an opportunity of their own to break the deadlock in the 24th minute, but Zola’s header cannoned off the bar.

After a goalless first half, bot sides went in search of the opener and it was the travelling side that finally made the breakthrough.

Jacques Maghoma won a free-kick outside the box and Palmer stepped up to convert the resulting set-piece with just over an hour played at Moss Lane.

The result was put beyond doubt 10 minutes later when Zola hit the back of the net from close range.

Albion are now undefeated in 10 straight fixtures against Altrincham following Thursday’s triumph.