The Robins were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the first round after a 2-0 defeat to Birmingham City at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.
Two first half strikes from outside the box gave the Blues a comfortable lead as Wade Elliott's side couldn’t find a way back into the contest.
The Robins started the game on the front foot but aside from a cross flashed across the box from Rob Street, no chances of note were created.
But after surviving the early pressure, the Blues grew into the game and took the lead in the 24th minute after Juninho Bacuna’s strike was deflected in off Liam Smith, moments after an impressive save from Luke Southwood.
A second followed shortly after with Bacuna again hurting the Robins as his free-kick from the edge of the penalty box found its way into the top left corner.
The waves of attack from the visitors continued but a goal line clearance from Lewis Freestone and a smart save again from Southwood stopped the visitors adding to their advantage.
After the break the Robins started the second half like the first, on the front foot as half time substitute Dan Adshead saw an effort fly over the crossbar after smart link-up play between fellow substitute Aidan Keena and Smith.
However, the tide turned again and Southwood was once again called upon as he used his body well to deny Keshi Anderson in the area.
The shot stopper would deny the Birmingham attacker again 13 minutes later, this time with a smart double save to keep the score at 2-0.
Southwood’s saves continued throughout the half as he dived away to his right to stop a Jordan James' shot destined for goal before making another moments later.
It was a good contest for the Robins but they couldn't find a way back into it, as the visitors progressed to the next round.
Robins – Southwood, Smith (Sambu 87’); Long (C), Davies, Freestone, Williams, Thompson (Sercombe 46’); Chapman, Olayinka (Adshead 46’); Hammond (King 81’); Street (Keena 46’)
Subs not used – Harris, Horton, Bradbury, Ferry
Birmingham – Etheridge, Oakley (Sunjic 46’); Sanderson (C), Long, Longelo, Chang, James, Bacuna (Gardner 87’); Anderson (Khela 81’); Miyoshi (Dembele 64’); Jutkiewicz (Cosgrove 81’)
Subs not used – Jeacock, Bielik, Hogan, Donovan
Referee - C Hicks
Attendance – 4026 (1513 from Birmingham)
