Blackburn Rovers Under-21s surrendered a half-time lead as they slipped to a 3-2 defeat away to Rochdale in the National League Cup.
The young Rovers are still searching for their first points in Group A after back-to-back defeats in the competition, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.
Early Drama at Crown Oil Arena
The game began at a lively pace, with former Rovers forward Connor McBride striking against his old club inside the opening seven minutes. Cutting in from the left, he drilled low past Nick Michalski to give the hosts an early advantage.
Rovers hit back swiftly. On 11 minutes, Matty Litherland picked out Lucas Houghton with a clever pass over the top, and the midfielder kept his composure to slot a neat finish into the far corner. Sheron’s side then grew in confidence, and just after the half-hour they turned the contest around. Litherland was again the architect, splitting the Rochdale defence with another perfectly weighted ball that allowed Harrison Wood to fire in off the post.
EFL Championship
Before the break, Rovers had chances to extend their lead. Brandon Powell set up Igor Tyjon, who blazed over against his former club, while Litherland saw a powerful run halted only by goalkeeper Tom Myles.
Second-Half Struggles
Rochdale regrouped after the interval and began to exert pressure of their own. Levi Amantchi twice went close, flashing efforts wide either side of half-time, before the hosts drew level on 53 minutes. Kevin Berkoe delivered from the byline and Anthony Gomez-Mancini met it with a firm header beyond Michalski.
Rovers had opportunities to restore their lead. Litherland continued to influence the game and clipped a superb ball through to Jake Batty, who was denied by Myles in a one-on-one situation. That moment proved crucial, as Rochdale struck decisively moments later. McBride was involved again, crossing from the right, with Tarryn Allarakhia volleying the ball back across goal for substitute Jake Burger to nod home the winner on 76 minutes.
Sheron introduced fresh legs late on, but despite efforts from substitutes Dylan Stritch and Cian Doherty, Rovers were unable to carve out a decisive chance in the closing stages
Group A Table
| Pos | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brackley Town | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| 2 | Rochdale | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Tamworth | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | Everton U21 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 5 | Solihull Moors | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 2 |
| 6 | Burnley U21 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 7 | Manchester United U21 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| 8 | Blackburn Rovers U21 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
Writer’s View
Rovers will be encouraged by their first-half display, in which Litherland in particular showcased creativity and control. Yet defensive lapses and missed chances once again undermined their progress. With Solihull Moors and Tamworth still to come in the group, they will need to convert performances into points if they are to keep their hopes alive.
