Carabao Cup: Millwall 3-1 Cheltenham Town - Gary Rowett's side ease into third round
- Published
Matt Smith was one of seven players brought into the Millwall side by manager Gary Rowett
Championship side Millwall reached the third round of the Carabao Cup with a routine win over League Two Cheltenham.
The hosts made seven changes but led when Tom Bradshaw laid off for Ryan Leonard to strike from 20 yards out.
Cheltenham's Alfie May had an effort ruled out for offside before Connor Mahoney slotted in Shane Ferguson's cross to double Millwall's advantage.
Matt Smith got to Ferguson's cross-shot for a third before Finn Azaz scored a long-range consolation for the Robins.
Gary Rowett's Lions will face the winners of the all-Premier League tie between Burnley and Sheffield United in round three.
Millwall assistant manager Adam Barrett:
"Whoever we play [in the third round], it's going to be a tough test.
"We'll prepare well for it, we've got a lot of belief in our squad and our players, so it's a great challenge to be looking forward to.
"It was a very professional performance, there were bits in there where we can be better. We're delighted with the start, it's two wins and a draw so confidence is starting to build, we've got a little unbeaten run which we can hopefully take into Saturday."
Cheltenham boss Michael Duff:
"I thought we were excellent, the only difference was in the two boxes. I don't remember Josh [Griffiths] making a save and they scored with the three chances they had.
"I'll take that performance. We've got to show that belief going forward. We put in a good performance at Peterborough in the first round and now done that against a Championship side.
"I said to the boys that I'd prefer the performance over the result so I'm delighted with every single one of them.
"In sounds a bit silly when you're beat, but I'm delighted."