Millers Out!

ROTHERHAM United exit the Carabao Cup after losing the first round to Salford City on penalties.

Salford took the lead after Millers ‘keeper, Jamal Blackman gave away a clumsy penalty. Former Rotherham player, Ian Henderson, converting from the spot.

Matt Crooks gave a moment of reprieve deep into added time, equalising with only seconds to spare.

Penalties followed straight away and Salford ran up 4-2 winners on penalties.

Both teams hadn’t kicked a competitive ball for 6 months and Rotherham were the brighter for the majority of the game. But, as the minutes ticked by, Salford grew in quality and a mix up at the back nearly resulted in an embarrassment.

Later the spot kick for Salford from a clumsy and rusty challenge from Blackman, who last turned out in a competitive game for Bristol Rovers in March, gave Salford an unexpected lead.

Matt Crooks appeared to save the day in the 95th minute. The new No.25, in honour of Jordan Sinnott, headed in from a goal mouth scramble and seconds later the full time whistled sounded.

Penalties followed straight away and they didn’t start well for the Millers with Kyle Vassell hitting the post. Ladapo and debutant Sadlier scored their spot kicks, but Salford ‘keeper Vaclav Hladky showed Jamal Blackman how it’s done by saving Joe Mattocks penalty to send Salford through to round two.

Millers chief, Paul Warne, told BBC radio Sheffield; “I don’t think my keeper had a save to make apart from the penalty and we still go out.”

Salford boss, Graham Alexander has the view his side played “extremely well” against higher opposition.

Rotherham are next in action on September 12th away at Wycombe Wanderers.

Salford will entertain Manchester United U21’s in the EFL Trophy on September 9th.