AcademyU21s match report: Liverpool stage incredible fightback to draw at Rochdale in Jersey Mike's Trophy

Mor Talla Ndiaye's sending-off midway through the first half was followed by the opener from Devante Rodney.

The Reds equalised through a stunning solo effort by Will Wright in the 42nd minute, but an Ian Henderson double had the League Two hosts 3-1 up entering second-half stoppage time.

However, substitutes Ben Trueman and Josh Sonni-Lambie scored in quick succession to level the affair and send it to a penalty shootout, where Rob Page's side prevailed 7-6 to earn the bonus point.

Both goalkeepers were called into action in the opening 20 minutes, during which Liverpool were arguably the stronger side.

Harvey Davies saved when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe looked destined to score, before Sam Waller thwarted Joe Bradshaw and then Wright from close range.

But the complexion of the game changed in minute 21 as Ndiaye was dismissed for denying Dieseruvwe a clear goalscoring opportunity on the edge of the box.

Rochdale capitalised on their numerical advantage 16 minutes later to take the lead through Rodney's whipped finish from distance.

The Reds were soon back level, though, courtesy of a piece of magic from Wright.

The forward drove into the box with the ball, showed nifty footwork to beat a couple of defenders and then curled into the top corner.

He could have put his side ahead at the break but Waller came out on top in a one-on-one situation, created by Jayden Danns' through ball.

Page's team still carried their threat going forward in the second period, Bradshaw and Wright forcing saves from Waller.

They were kept in the game by earlier interventions from Davies, but he was eventually beaten twice by Henderson in the final quarter of an hour.

Rochdale's 41-year-old forward flicked in Ed Francis' cut-back and then lobbed the Liverpool 'keeper.

But as they had done all night, the Reds kept on battling and were given hope in the 94th minute with Trueman's tap-in from an Oliver O'Connor delivery.

And the recovery was completed in the sixth minute of added time, with Sonni-Lambie following up on the rebound of a saved Trueman hit.

Team

Liverpool: Davies, Chambers, McConnell (Onanuga, 63), Bradshaw, Ndiaye, Danns (Trueman, 83), W. Wright, O'Connor, Cisse, Lucky, Laffey (Sonni-Lambie, 83).

Unused subs: Hall, P. Farkas, Cowley, Ayman.

Goals: Wright (42), Trueman (90+4), Sonni-Lambie (90+6).

Next up

The U21s' next outing is their second fixture in northern Group H of the Jersey Mike's Trophy – a visit to Doncaster Rovers of League One.

The encounter at Club Doncaster Sports Village will be played on Tuesday October 6 (7pm BST kick-off).