The Serbian midfielder enjoyed an hour-long run-out at Adams Park as he stepped up his bid for full fitness, taking his place in a starting XI featuring eight players with first-team experience.
But it was teenager Rhian Brewster who stole the show on the night, scoring twice as a sparkling first-half performance from the visitors was rewarded.
Although the Reds had attacked with verve from the moment the first whistle sounded, their first goal owed more to training-ground reptition than off-the-cuff forward play.
It came through something of a surprise scorer in Joe Gomez, the centre-back producing a centre-forward's finish as he volleyed Harry Wilson's corner home.