Rotherham United’s Central League Cup campaign came to an end on Tuesday as they fell to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Lincoln City, who progressed to the next stage at the Millers’ expense.
With Paul Warne’s first team in action at Shrewsbury Town on the same day, it was left to a youthful second string outfit to fulfil the fixture with Jacob Gratton, Josh Chapman and Jake Hull providing the experience for Rob Poulter’s men.
A first half quickfire double from the hosts with strikes coming on 29 and 32 minutes made life hard for the Millers, who would have a mountain to climb after the restart.
Half Time | Lincoln City 2 v 0 Reserves
The Imps showed no signs of relenting after the restart and put more daylight between themselves and the Millers just five minutes into the second period.
Clearly enjoying the momentum their bright start to the second half had given them, the hosts then added a fourth on 53 minutes to put themselves clearly out of sight.
10 minutes from the end Lincoln made it five to guarantee their safe passage into the next stage of the 2021/22 Central League Cup competition.
Full Time | Lincoln City 5 v 0 Reserves
Reserves | Chapman; Greenhouse, Booth, Hull, Jenkinson; Warne, Durose, Douglas; Gratton, Holvey; McGuckin.
Substitutes | Ford, Champion, Clark, Day, Bond.