Liverpool U21s fight back with 10 men to beat Rochdale on penalties
The short version
- Liverpool U21s drew 3-3 with Rochdale having played most of the match with 10 men after Mor Talla Ndiaye's first-half red card.
- Late goals from substitutes Ben Trueman and Josh Sonni-Lambie forced the shootout, which Liverpool won 7-6 after a Harvey Davies save.
- Ian Henderson, 41, scored twice for Rochdale after Devante Rodney's opener; Will Wright netted Liverpool's first equalizer.
- Rob Page called it his proudest moment since taking charge in 2025.
- Liverpool U21s visit Doncaster Rovers on October 6 in Group H of the Jersey Mike's Trophy.
Rob Page's young side trailed 3-1 late but forced a 3-3 draw and took the bonus point 7-6 in the Jersey Mike's Trophy shootout.
Liverpool's under-21 side came from behind with 10 men to draw 3-3 with Rochdale and then prevail 7-6 on penalties in a Jersey Mike's Trophy group match. Head coach Rob Page praised his players' "character and resilience" and called it the proudest moment of his tenure, which began in 2025.
Mor Talla Ndiaye saw red in the opening period, and Devante Rodney put Rochdale ahead soon after. Will Wright pulled Liverpool level with a solo effort before halftime, but 41-year-old Ian Henderson struck twice in quick succession after the interval to put the League Two club 3-1 up.
Substitutes Ben Trueman and Josh Sonni-Lambie scored in the 94th and 96th minutes to force the shootout. After 13 successful penalties, goalkeeper Harvey Davies saved from the Rochdale keeper to clinch the bonus point.
Page said the squad's mentality had shifted during his 12 months in charge, crediting the influence of himself and Jay Spearing, and adding that development remains the priority alongside a desire to win. Liverpool U21s next travel to League One Doncaster Rovers on October 6 for their second Group H fixture in northern section play.
