LONDON - Arouna Kone, Aaron Lennon and Ross Barkley scored as Everton avoided an FA Cup banana skin with an uncomplicated 3-0 fourth-round win at fourth-tier Carlisle United on Sunday.
Everton's Steven Pienaar (left) challenges Carlisle United's Brandon Comley during their English FA Cup fourth round match at Brunton Park, north-west England, on January 31, 2016
Playing at home for only the second time after their Brunton Park home was flooded, Carlisle were hoping to add to Everton's woes after the Merseysiders' League Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City in the week.
But after Kone tapped in Lennon's cross in the second minute, the visitors did not look back, with Lennon adding a coolly taken second goal before Barkley netted with a deflected shot in the second half.
"The start of the game allowed us to control the rest of it," said Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
"I thought we played well and controlled the threat that Carlisle can bring. We scored three goals, created chances and overall we deserved it and look forward to the draw."
Seven-time FA Cup winners Chelsea are in action later on Sunday when they visit second-tier Milton Keynes Dons, who humiliated Manchester United 4-0 in last season's League Cup.
There have been no major shocks in the fourth round to date, although West Bromwich Albion were taken to a replay by third-tier Peterborough United after a 2-2 draw on Saturday.
Holders Arsenal, seeking a third consecutive trophy, beat Burnley 2-1 and there were also wins for Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, but Liverpool drew 0-0 at home to West Ham United.