Doncaster eased into the second round of the Carabao Cup thanks to a 2-0 win at Salford.
Billy Sharp’s early strike and a stoppage-time effort from Luke Molyneux secured the win at the Peninsula Stadium.
A total of 19 changes – nine for the hosts and 10 for Grant McCann’s side – combined probably said it all about where this competition sits in the list of priorities for these two League Two sides.
Yet it says a lot about the strength of the visitors’ squad that they can call upon veteran goal machine Sharp.
After a sleepy opening 20 minutes, the 38-year-old made the breakthrough with a superb finish after some expert centre-forward play. He shielded the ball and beat two City defenders before firing home in style.
Salford rallied thereafter but showed a lack of quality and wastefulness in front of goal.
The visitors should have extended their lead but Harry Clifton hit a post and Joe Sbarra was denied by Matt Young when through on goal.
The second half was a poor affair in truth with chances few and far between but sub Molyneux had the final say as he tapped home from close range at the end.
Match report supplied by PA Media.
