Rochdale Draws 3-3 with Liverpool U21 in EFL Trophy Penalty Shootout

Rochdale AFC hosted Liverpool Under-21s in a Northern Group H EFL Trophy match on September 22, 2026, at the Crown Oil Arena. The match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw after extra time, with Liverpool winning 7-6 in the penalty shootout. This fixture marked Rochdale's first EFL Trophy match in nearly four years, and both teams were eager to secure points for progression in the competition.

Rochdale entered the match following a 2-0 victory over Oldham Athletic in League Two, while Liverpool U21s came off a commanding 5-1 win against Brighton and Hove Albion Academy. The match was competitive, with both teams showcasing their attacking capabilities. Rochdale's goals came from Sam Sherring, Cian Hayes, and an own goal from Liverpool, while Liverpool's goals were scored by Daniel Onanuga, Joshua Sonni-Lambie, and Cian Hayes.

The match was officiated by referee Gareth Sheffield, who has experience officiating at Spotland. The group standings after this match show Huddersfield Town leading with three points, while both Rochdale and Liverpool U21s have one point each, and Doncaster Rovers remain at zero points after their initial matches.

Fans were able to watch the match live on Sky Sports, with audio commentary available via Dale Player. The next steps for both teams will be crucial as they aim to secure a top-two finish in the group to progress further in the EFL Trophy.