Salford City have been eliminated from the Carabao Cup after penalty shootout defeat to Rotherham United, having drawn 0-0 in normal time.
The game proved to be a cagey affair with both sides having opportunities, but no clear chances to take the lead.
However, Salford fans were worried in the 20th minute when Jordan Hugill took the ball past Mark Howard but was unable to score due to a great last-ditch tackle from Salford captain Luke Garbutt.
And Hugill seemed to be creating further problems, when Josh Austerfield’s backwards header played the striker through on goal, but luckily for the Ammies the forward could not keep his shot down.
The League One side continued to maintain the pressure to avail, as Joe Powell was able to beat his man and got a shot off, but Ade Oluwo slid in to block it, sending it behind for a Rotherham corner.
And another when Zak Jules found himself free at the back post but failed to trouble Howard in the Salford goal.
Despite the early pressure from The Millers, Karl Robinsons’ side were able to grow into the game and dominate the proceedings, nearly being rewarded for their efforts with five minutes to go.
Ros Longelo were able to break up the left-hand side before denied by Cameron Dawson, who was then involved to deny Kallum Cesay after Ben Woodburn had played him through on the right.
It’s all square at the break. The visitors had the better at the start of the half, but the Ammies ended on the front foot with a couple of decent chances for Longelo and Cesay ⏸️
0-0 | #SALROT pic.twitter.com/FLZrak5bmn
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) August 12, 2025
Level at half time, the Ammies pressure would continue in the second half as Longelo cut in and got his shot off.
Dawson’s save landed at the feet of Kadeem Harris who beat his man before hitting the woodwork.
The efforts from the Ammies were then responded to by Rotherham when Shaun McWilliams found Hugill just inside the box, but he was denied by Garbutt who got there just in time.
Although Rotherham seemed to be growing back into the game, Salford still looked like they were more likely to break the deadlock.
But despite Karl Robinsons’ side best efforts, The Millers came close to taking the lead in the 70th minute of the game.
A mis-hit clearance from Howard fell to Reece James, who played it forward to Jack Holmes who cut inside but hit the post.
And as the game was ending, Ar’Jany Martha managed to slide the ball past Howard from the left minutes later, but Ollie Turton – on his home debut – got back to clear the ball off the line just in the nick of time.
Despite a few more efforts from the Millers, the game level at full time and both sides would have to decide their fate in a penalty shootout.
First up was Tom Edwards, who was denied by Dawson diving to his right, before Powell converted the following spot kick to put the away side ahead.
Luke Garbutt stepped up to score Salford’s second penalty, with Holmes following suit to keep Rotherham ahead.
Woodburn dispatched his effort before Dan Gore missed the target, sending his attempt wide of the post, to make it 2-2 after three penalties each.
However, after Jorge Grant’s effort was saved, Denzel Hall scored to put the visitors back in front and they progressed to the second round as Kelly Nmai sent his effort over the bar.
Rotherham United have now advanced into the second round of the League Cup, with Salford City now having to redirect their focus to the league where they will play Accrington Stanley.
The Ammies will return at the Peninsula Stadium at 3pm – with more information being found here.
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