Rochdale held Manchester United U21's to a 0-0 draw in the EFL Trophy but United took the extra point by winning on penalties.

A stalemate in Dale’s second group game, which could be seen as a positive given United U21’s 6-0 demolition against Salford City in Game 1. Dale had the better chances during the game and saw an Aaron Morley penalty saved. It was another game where we just didn’t finish our chances. After a Penalty Shootout United U21’s won the extra point and go into Game 3 top of the group.

Dale started with Lynch in goal, a back four of Keohane, Morley, McNulty and Done, Brierley at the base of a midfield three with Lund and Hopper either side, Dooley on the left, Tavares on the right and Beesley leading the line.

United U21’s started well creating a couple of chances down the left hand side, hitting the post with one effort after some nice football. Elanga was a threat and was causing Keohane a lot of problems.

Dale then came into the game piling on the pressure with a few dangerous corners, with the best chance falling to Dooley who forced a good save from the goalkeeper, who tipped his shot over. A couple of minutes later, Beesley beat his man on the left hand side and hit a shot from a tight angle which was well held by the Goalkeeper.

After 20 minutes, some tenacious play down the right by Keohane saw the ball fall to Tavares who then had a shot inside the box deflected and the United U21’s Keeper made a great save with his feet to force the ball over the bar.

United U21’s had most of the ball in the first half. Elanga in particular looked dangerous and has bags of pace which troubled Keohane on numerous occasions.

However, Dale ended the half stronger with chances falling to Hopper, who fluffed a chance at the far post after some smart play by Keohane, and Brierley who had a shot deflected wide from the edge of the box.

HT Dale 0-0 United U21’s

Dale started the stronger and some good pressure, Hopper won a penalty. Morley took the penalty but saw it saved after a fairly timid effort towards the right corner.

Dale made a couple of changes after an hour, with Beesley and Lund coming off for Newby and Rathbone. The changes saw Tavares go down the middle with Newby on the left and Dooley moving over to the right.

Dale, again, looked the more dangerous with the midfield grabbing hold of the game and Hopper making some surging runs. Then after some decent play between Tavares and Keohane, the latter saw a shot saved and Rathbone really should’ve scored the rebound but he saw hit shot hit the post. Looked much easier to score!

United U21’s made a couple of chances later on and should’ve really done better after some sloppy play by Jim McNulty, who recovered well to block their advances into the area and Lynch picked up the loose change. A few minutes later United U21’s has another chance after some more sloppy play by Dale but Wellens saw a chipped effort land on the roof of the net.

Late on, BBM brought on Mialkowski for Brierley, who had a very good game in midfield. He certainly looks a prospect!

Just after the sub, Newby really should’ve scored after a great ball from Mialkowski set him on his way inside the box, but he dragged a left footed effort well wide. Not a bad first touch for the Dale youngster!

FT Dale 0-0 United U21’s (4-5 on Pens)

Dale: Morley❌ Newby✅ Tavares✅ Keohane✅ Rathbone✅ Hopper❌

United U21’s: ✅✅❌✅✅✅

Lynch - 7

Keohane - 7

Morley - 7

McNulty - 7

Done - 7

Brierley - 8

Hopper - 8 MOTM

Lund - 6

Dooley - 6

Tavares - 5

Beesley - 6

Rathbone - 6

Newby - 5

Photo: Action Images

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