Ian Richards’ side produced three goals in nine minutes before half-time to secure victory at the Flannery Stadium.

The match began with both teams struggling to create a clear chance. After 10 minutes, Harrison Hopper’s deep free kick reached Elliot Owen at the back post, but the centre half could not direct his header on target.

Jordan Thewlis went close three minutes later when Ollie Brown’s cross was just out of reach. Brown then tested Leiston goalkeeper Callum Robinson with a low shot, which was saved.

Thewlis came close again from Charlie Staniland’s cross, heading against the side netting as the Lions continued to press.

The opening goal arrived after 32 minutes. Hopper sent in a free kick and Owen rose to head the ball into the net from close range.

The visitors doubled their lead five minutes later. Thewlis seized on a loose ball and chipped Robinson to score a second goal.

Jack Emmett then made it 3-0 during the same nine-minute spell. The midfielder’s shot travelled through a group of players, leaving Robinson unable to stop it.

The goal was Emmett’s first of the season. Richards’ team went into the interval with a three-goal advantage.

The Lions continued to attack after the break and almost added a fourth goal. Hopper found Brown with a set-piece delivery, but Brown headed over the crossbar.

Hopper appeared to score 20 minutes into the second half when his free kick went straight into the net. However, the assistant referee had spotted an infringement and the goal was ruled out.

Leiston had found it difficult to create openings, but Jack Hall had to make a save when Harvey Sayer tried a curling shot from distance.

Jude Frostick then headed towards goal after 23 minutes of the second half. Hall was equal to the effort and stopped the hosts from finding a way back into the match.

Amir Berchil started after returning from injury and nearly marked his comeback with a goal. His low shot drifted wide with 16 minutes remaining.

The Lions also missed an unusual chance to score a fourth. Frankie Sinfield, who had just come on, pressed quickly and won possession with Robinson stranded and beaten.

Sinfield’s shot appeared destined for the net, but Will Longbottom, trying to move out of the way, blocked his team-mate’s effort. The incident denied Sinfield what would have been his first goal for the club.

Hopper later forced another save from Robinson with a free kick. The goalkeeper tipped the ball over the bar.

As the match moved towards its conclusion, Richards sent on Jack Tinker, Paul Iggulden and Noah Wadsworth.

Wadsworth made his debut after joining from Buxton the previous week.

Staniland went close with eight minutes remaining after making a run into the area, but he shot wide from a narrowing angle.

The final opportunity fell to Longbottom, making his second appearance of the campaign. The forward made a run and saw his low shot pass just beyond the post.

A total of 545 people attended the match, with a large travelling group watching the Lions complete their FA Cup progress.

Richards’ team now return to league action on Tuesday night. They play at Nethermoor against Cleethorpes Town, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm.