Goals from Sam Finley, an Offrande Zanzala double and a Dan Barlaser strike gave Stanley victory in the opening group game of their Checkatrade Trophy campaign against League Two Macclesfield.
Midfielder Finley headed into a empty net on 35 minutes, Zanzala also headed home on 63 minutes before making it three on 80 minutes and then Barlaser scored his first goal for the Reds in injury time.
John Coleman made eight changes to the side that started the 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury on Saturday with Finley, Nick Anderton and Barlaser retaining their places.
It was a one-sided first half with the Reds bossing the game against the Silkmen, who parted company with manager Mark Yates yesterday.
Defender Matty Platt's fierce shot from an Andy Mangan corner was parried away by Macc keeper Rhys Taylor, Ben Richards-Everton fired an effort just wide while Piero Mingoia had a strike tipped over by Taylor.
Zanzala's close range header was collected by Taylor and, on another burst forward, the striker fired into the side netting.
Stanley took the lead on 35 minutes when Zanzala's cross from the by-line looped up off Taylor to Finley at the far post for the easiest of finishes, heading into the empty net almost on the goalline.
Zanzala could have made it two but fired straight at Taylor while Macclesfield's chances were limited although Jonny Maxted did have to be alert to keep out Scott Wilson.
Just before the break, Barlaser's effort ended up inches over the bar as the Reds had to settle for a 1-0 interval lead.
Stanley were made to pay for their missed chances in the 57th minute when Macc sub Peter Vincenti headed home a Michael Rose free kick to draw the Silkmen level.
The Reds pressed to retake the lead with Bolton loan striker Connor Hall's effort dipping just over the bar before, on 63 minutes, Zanzala headed home a Barlaser free kick from around 10 yards out.
They got the third on 80 minutes when Hall's cross found Zanzala rushing in with Macclesfield's Dave Fitzpatrick and it hit the underside of the bar and bounced in.
Zanzala had an effort hooked off the line before Barlaser danced into the penalty area and fired home with virtually the last kick of the game.
Stanley play West Brom U21s at home and Blackpool away in their other group games.