Rochdale 3-3 Liverpool U21: Six-Goal Thriller Ends in Penalty Shootout Drama

Rochdale and Liverpool U21 played out a remarkable 3-3 draw in the English Football League Trophy on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, with the young Reds eventually claiming the bonus point after a tense penalty shootout. The game swung one way and then the other, producing six goals, a late equaliser, and the kind of drama that has become a feature of the EFL Trophy group stage.

Match overview

• Competition: English Football League Trophy
• Result: Rochdale 3-3 Liverpool U21
• Rochdale scorers: Kairo Mitchell 44, Devante Rodney 58, Aaron Henry 84
• Liverpool U21 scorers: Jayden Danns 12, Rio Ngumoha 28, Jayden Danns 71
• Penalty shootout: Liverpool U21 won 5-4
• Venue: Crown Oil Arena

Liverpool U21 started with confidence and moved the ball sharply through midfield. Their early pressure told in the 12th minute when Jayden Danns latched onto a through ball and finished calmly past the Rochdale goalkeeper. Sixteen minutes later, the lead was doubled. Rio Ngumoha cut inside from the left and curled a precise effort into the far corner, leaving Rochdale with a mountain to climb.

Key moments

Rochdale’s response arrived just before half-time. Kairo Mitchell found space inside the penalty area and reduced the deficit with a composed finish in the 44th minute. That goal changed the momentum of the match and gave the home side something to build on after the interval.

Rochdale equalised in the 58th minute through Devante Rodney, who reacted quickest to a loose ball and fired home from close range. For a period, Rochdale looked the more likely side to score next. However, Liverpool U21 regained the lead in the 71st minute when Danns claimed his second goal of the night, finishing off a flowing move with a first-time strike.

Just as Liverpool appeared to have done enough, Rochdale found another answer. In the 84th minute, Aaron Henry arrived late in the box and guided the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 3-3. Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, sending the group-stage tie to a penalty shootout.

Penalty shootout

The bonus-point shootout was almost as dramatic as the match itself. Both teams converted their early spot-kicks, but Liverpool U21 held their nerve and won 5-4. Their goalkeeper produced the decisive save, diving low to his right to deny Rochdale’s fourth taker, before the young Reds converted the winning penalty. It was a cruel ending for Rochdale, who had fought back twice and deserved a share of the spoils.

Tactical story

Liverpool U21 played with the technical assurance expected of a Premier League academy side. Their midfield rotated constantly, creating passing lanes and allowing the front three to attack isolated defenders. Danns was particularly effective between the lines, while Ngumoha’s direct running caused problems throughout the first half.

Rochdale’s approach was more physical and direct. They targeted the space behind Liverpool’s full-backs, pressed with intensity after losing possession, and grew stronger as the game wore on. The home side’s set-piece delivery also caused anxiety in the Liverpool box, even if the goals ultimately came from open play.

Standout players and group impact

Jayden Danns was the outstanding individual on the night, scoring twice and linking play intelligently. Rio Ngumoha’s goal was a moment of pure quality, while Liverpool’s goalkeeper enhanced his reputation with the shootout save. For Rochdale, Kairo Mitchell, Devante Rodney, and Aaron Henry all made important contributions, and the team’s resilience will please the coaching staff even if the result was frustrating.

The draw means both sides take something from the game, but Liverpool U21’s shootout win gives them the extra point. In the EFL Trophy group table, that bonus point could prove crucial when qualification is decided. Rochdale, meanwhile, will take confidence from a spirited comeback as they prepare for their next League Two and EFL Trophy assignments.