Rochdale advanced in the ENL Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers U21 in a match played on September 17, 2025. The home side held off a strong challenge from the Premier League academy team to secure a place in the next round of the competition. Rochdale started brightly and established a lead, but Blackburn's youngsters showed resilience to fight back and level the score. The decisive moment came late in the game, with Rochdale finding a winner to avoid extra time. This match result was a significant cup upset, showcasing the competitive spirit of the ENL Cup where senior National League sides often face talented youth teams from the top flight.