Glyn Hodges’ young side went in front in the 16th minute courtesy of Alex Nimely and never looked like surrendering the advantage at Gigg Lane as the striker went on to grab an eye-catching treble...and miss a penalty in the 3-0 victory.
It was the Blues third straight win in the competition and puts them bang on course for a place in the final.
Only Cameron Belford in the Shakers’ goal stood between his side and an even more comprehensive defeat.
Belford made brave and technically adept stops from both Nimely and Robbie Mak in the opening half hour while Abdi Ibrahim ought to have made the keeper work harder with a couple of presentable shooting chances and Jack Redshaw poked wide from six yards after half an hour.
Andrai Jones had the hard working home side’s best chance but fired over from an awkward angle and City went two up in first half stoppage time when Kieran Trippier’s explosive run and cross was deposited with aplomb by Nimely.
The second half started with City looking eager to quickly put the game beyond all doubt but Tom Farrell kept home hopes flickering when he cleared Dedryck Boyata’s header off the line. Nimely should have made three for him and the Blues in the 63rd minute but smashed a penalty against the keeper’s left hand upright.
Nimely though made amends two minutes later firing beyond the despairing Belford after fine approach work down the left from Javan Vidal and Donal McDermott. It was almost his last kick of the match as he was substituted and the Blues strolled to a deserved win.
