We did it to help Accrington because they need the revenue

There were the usual few disgruntled noises from some fans but overall it wasn't anything to get excited about and manager Owen Coyle could only agree. "I can't say I was overly impressed with the performance and it certainly wasn't the result I envisaged before the game," he admitted.

Coyle added: "It was always going to be a difficult task, given the fact we only arrived back from the States on Monday. The flights back were gruelling but this was the only time we could have taken this game and it was important that we did that.

"We did it to help Accrington because they need the revenue, but I think you saw the weariness in the players. It's all about getting fatigue out of the way, which was certainly evident tonight.

"I am still recovering myself and I didn't have to run about, so I was just pleased the lads rewarded the fans who turned up last night with a couple of goals."

Wembley goalscorer Wade Elliott was one of a number of regulars from last season who were left out. Neither Graham Alexander nor Steven Caldwell featured either whilst Clarke Carlisle played just half an hour.

"Some of the boys needed a run out although given the travelling it was a big ask of them. Others were left out altogether and they will come back fresher on Saturday. You are never going to question their bravery or courage, but what was missing tonight was quality."

He concluded: "Accrington equipped themselves really well, but for our standards we fell short of that and now we have to get the jet lag out of the system and get ready for Saturday."