Carabao Cup: Dream debut for Gilsenan in Blackburn win

Ireland Under-19 international Zak Gilsenan scored on his competitive debut for Blackburn Rovers as they came out on the right side of a seven-goal Carabao Cup thriller, beating Walsall 4-3 at Ewood Park.

The former Barcelona and Liverpool youth, who has also represented Australia at youth level, grabbed the equaliser in the 21st minute after fellow Ireland underage international Oisin McEntee put the visitors ahead two minutes earlier.

Former Bohemians man Ross Tierney, on loan from Motherwell, added a second for Walsall, before Niall Ennis, Jake Garrett and John Buckley put Rovers in control.

The fourth Irish goalscorer of the night, Ronan Maher, gave Walsall hope as he bagged their third in the 84th minute, however, the home side held on and progressed to the next round.

Ireland Under-21 defender Sean Roughan netted Lincoln's opener as the Imps enjoyed a 2-0 away win at Notts County, while JJ Kayode was another Irish scorer in an action-packed night of Carabao Cup action as Rotherham drew 1-1 with Morecambe, before securing their place in the next round on penalties, and Cian Hayes was on target for Fleetwood in their 3-2 defeat by Port Vale.

Gillingham provided the biggest shock of the first round by knocking out last season’s semi-finalists Southampton.

Ashley Nadesan’s goal and a Robbie McKenzie double saw the League Two side beat the team just relegated from the Premier League 3-1 at Priestfield.

Saints boss Russell Martin made 11 changes from the side that won at Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, but it backfired spectacularly despite a late consolation from substitute Carlos Alcaraz.

Hull were also Championship casualties, beaten 2-1 by League Two Doncaster thanks to two goals from George Miller after Oscar Estupinan had