Salford City eliminated from Carabao Cup

Salford City 0 - 0 Rotherham United (Rotherham United won 3-2 on penalties)

Salford City were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after losing on penalties to Rotherham United, the tie having finished goalless in normal time.

Author | Josh D

Stadium | The Peninsula Stadium

Fans watch the penalties

There were flashes of promise in a cagey opening, but neither side was able to fashion many clear chances. Jordan Hugill almost put the visitors ahead in the 20th minute when he rounded Mark Howard, only to be denied by a perfectly timed challenge from Salford captain Luke Garbutt.

Hugill threatened again soon after when Josh Austerfield’s misplaced header sent him through on goal, but the forward fired over and the score stayed level.

Rotherham’s Joe Powell created the next opportunity on the half-hour mark, beating his marker before seeing his effort blocked by Ade Oluwo, who diverted the ball behind for a corner. From the set piece, Zak Jules found space at the far post but could not trouble Howard.

From that point, the home side took control. They came close twice in the final five minutes of the half, first when Ros Longelo broke down the left and was denied by Cameron Dawson, then when Kallum Cesay was played through by Ben Woodburn, only for the Rotherham goalkeeper to save again.

Salford began the second half in similar fashion, with Longelo cutting inside and forcing another Dawson save. The rebound fell to Kadeem Harris, who skipped past his man and struck the woodwork.

Rotherham responded when Shaun McWilliams found Hugill inside the box, but once again Garbutt was in the right place to make a vital intervention.

Although the visitors grew into the game, Salford continued to look the more likely side to find a breakthrough, even after Rotherham had two goals chalked off for handball and offside.

The Millers went close in the 70th minute when Howard’s mishit clearance fell to Reece James, whose pass found Jack Holmes. Holmes cut inside but saw his shot come back off the post. Howard quickly made amends, sending a long pass over the top to Cesay, whose effort was saved by Dawson. Moments later the Rotherham keeper was at it again, blocking a low drive from Woodburn with his feet.

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As the final whistle approached, the game became increasingly stretched. Ar’Jany Martha managed to slip the ball past Howard from a tight angle, but Ollie Turton, making his home debut, got back to clear off the line. Matt Hamshaw’s side had further chances before full time, but Howard stood firm to ensure the tie went to penalties.

The shootout began badly for Salford, with Tom Edwards seeing his effort saved by Dawson diving to his right. Powell scored for Rotherham to give the visitors the advantage.

Garbutt converted Salford’s next penalty, with Holmes replying to keep Rotherham ahead. Woodburn then dispatched his effort confidently before Dan Gore missed the target, sending his attempt wide to leave the score at 2-2 after three kicks each.

Jorge Grant was next for Rotherham, but his shot was kept out. Denzel Hall stepped up and scored to put the Millers back in front. Kelly Nmai had to score to keep Salford in it, but his strike cleared the crossbar, sealing Rotherham’s place in the second round.