Glyn Hodges’ side battled away to a 1-1 draw on a wet and blustery night on a heavy pitch at Leigh Sports Village, City’s goal coming from James Poole on the stroke of half-time.
Benjani also completed the game, in which Kompany partnered Johnson in an experienced midfield combination. The hosts went ahead through Gavin Gunning, who headed home powerfully at a corner on 18 minutes. Rovers had the better of the first half, but City had momentum going into the break when James Poole, a thorn in Rovers’ side all night, swept a Benjani cross home just before the whistle.
City dominated the second half but could not force a winner, however Mark Hughes will be pleased that the senior players all contributed and put in some valuable match-time.
City: Nielsen, Trippier, Cunningham, Boyata, Mee, Johnson, Mak, Kompany, Poole (sub Nimely 76 mins), Benjani, Marshall.
Subs not used: Johansen (GK), Tutte, Ibrahim.
Rovers: Fielding, Ramm, Gunning, Jones, Flynn, Lowe, Doran (sub Marshall 81 mins), Olsson, Santa Cruz (sub Potts 69 mins), Hoilett, Rigters.
Subs not used: Swann (GK), Hanley, Morris.
Booked: Santa Cruz, Lowe (Rovers), Johnson (City)
Attendance: 1115
