Edwards and Fornah strike as Cobblers reach Vertu Trophy last 16

Town played with real quality and confidence in the first half and they were very good value for their two-goal lead at the break, given to them by Kyle Edwards’ back post tap in after a sweeping move and a well-struck effort by Tyrese Fornah.

If they were dominant in the first half, the second was a display of maturity and smart game management as Cobblers limited Wycombe to few chances to deservedly book their place in the draw for the next round. It's the first time they've reached this stage of the competition in five years.

There were seven alterations from Saturday’s win at Plymouth as Lee Burge returned in goal and Max Dyche and Nesta Guinness-Walker both made their first starts after injury while Kamarai Swyer shifted to right wing-back.

Ethan Wheatley, one of few players to keep his place, partnered Elliott List and Edwards in attack and he was first to threaten when his 12th-minute effort grazed the outside of the post after a driving run from Fornah.

Cobblers felt they should have had a stonewall penalty after visiting goalkeeper Mikki Van Sas appeared to take out List in the box but nothing was given, much to the incredulity of just about everyone inside Sixfields, not least Nolan.

No matter, the home side moved into a deserved lead with a wonderful counter-attacking goal on 27 minutes.

Swyer started it all off with an interception, List then picked up the loose ball and released Wheatley, who drove deep into Wycombe territory before squaring for Edwards to slot home at the back post.

Wheatley was the game's best player in the first half and he was at the heart of two further chances for Cobblers, crossing delightfully for List to head wide before he took too long to get a shot off after latching onto a loose ball.

A second goal was coming though and it arrived with five minutes of the first half to go.

Swyer did well to beat his man on the right and deliver a cross that was only partially cleared, the ball falling to Fornah on the edge of the box and his low first-time strike squirmed through Van Sas.

Wycombe boss Michael Duff made a triple change at half-time and one of new newly-introduced players almost halved the deficit immediately when Luke Leahy curled a free-kick narrowly wide.

The visitors had more of the second half and Burge was forced into his first save on the hour, reacting smartly to tip over Donnell McNeilly’s effort, before a penalty shout was waved away.

While Wycombe did have further chances, Junior Quitirna side-footing a fraction wide and McNeilly firing straight at Burge, Cobblers were generally in control and managed their lead well.

Jon Guthrie was one of five players to come on at various stages of the second half as he continues to work his way back to full match fitness, and he helped his team-mates get the job done and secure a spot in the round of 16.

Match facts

Cobblers: Burge, Willis © (McCarthy 54), Dyche (Guthrie 84), Thorniley, Swyer (Jacobs 84), Guinness-Walker, Taylor, Fornah, Edwards (Burroughs 76), Wheatley, List (Eaves 84). Subs not used: Fitzsimons, Campbell

Wycombe: Van Sas, Huggins (Grimmer 73), Casey, Taylor, Gregory (Hagelskjær 45), Boyd-Munce © (Leahy 45), Westergaard, Lowry, Quitirna, Tilley (McNeilly 45), Fink (Bell 74). Subs not used: Moore, Mullins

Referee: Isaac Searle

Attendance: 1,022

Wycombe fans: 131