Liverpool U21s staged a dramatic comeback to rescue a draw in their opening EFL Trophy game of the season at Rochdale, with Will Wright's spectacular goal the highlight of the game
ROCHDALE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Will Wright of Liverpool U21 celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Jersey Mike's Trophy match between Rochdale and Liverpool U21 at Crown Oil Arena on September 22, 2026 in Rochdale, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Will Wright celebrates with his teammates after scoring for Liverpool U21s against Rochdale(Image: Getty Images)
Will Wright scored an incredible goal as a ten-man Liverpool U21s side staged a remarkable comeback in its opening EFL Trophy game.
The young Reds scored twice in stoppage time to rescue a 3-3 draw after Mor Talla Ndiaye - who impressed for the senior side in pre-season - was sent off midway through the first half. Rob Page’s side also managed to secure an extra point in their group after coming out on top in the subsequent penalty shootout, winning it 7-6.
It was Wright’s stunning solo effort during the first half though that stole the show, with the 18-year-old further enhancing his burgeoning reputation and sending a message to Andoni Iraola in the process.
The starting line-up had plenty of familiar faces in its ranks, including Jayden Danns, who is continuing his comeback after an injury-ravaged couple of seasons. James McConnell also started, having also lined up against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last week.
Just 21 minutes into the game at Spotland Stadium, the Reds were reduced to ten men, with Ndiaye given his marching orders after bringing down Rochdale striker Emmanuel Dieseruvwe as he looked to break clear of the defense.
Liverpool goalkeeper Harvey Davies had earlier been called into action to make a brilliant save when Dieseruvwe had looked destined to score, but there was nothing he could do to prevent Rochdale taking the lead through Devante Rodney with around 10 minutes to go before the break.
ROCHDALE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Ben Trueman of Liverpool U21 celebrates after Joshua Sonni-Lambie scores his team’s third goal during the Jersey Mike's Trophy match between Rochdale and Liverpool U21 at Crown Oil Arena on September 22, 2026 in Rochdale, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Ben Trueman celebrates after Josh Sonni-Lambie's equalizer for Liverpool U21s against Rochdale(Image: Getty Images)
Wright though responded with a remarkable effort. The former Salford City star picked the ball up just past the halfway line on the left flank before twisting and turning his way past a couple of defenders in the penalty area, and provided a sumptuous curled finish to bring his side back level.
It looked as though the Reds’ numerical disadvantage would eventually work against them, with Ian Henderson scoring twice in just three minutes to put Rochdale in control at 3-1 as the game approached the final 10 minutes.
Liverpool’s youngsters pushed to find a way back into the game though, and were given a lifeline in the fourth minute of stoppage time when substitute Ben Trueman tapped in from Oliver O’Connor’s delivery to set up a thrilling finish.
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The comeback was completed just a couple of minutes later, with Josh Sonni-Lambie following up on the rebound from Trueman’s strike to secure at least a point for the visitors.
Liverpool went on to score all seven of its penalties, with Wright, Trueman, O’Connor, Joe Bradshaw, Luke Chambers, Sonni-Lambie and Afolami Onanuga finding the back of the net.
Davies saved his opposite number Sam Waller’s final effort to secure the bonus point, with the young Reds back in action on October 6 as they travel to League One side Doncaster for their second group game in the Trophy.
Liverpool U21s: Davies, Cisse, Lucky, Ndiaye, Chambers, O’Connor, Laffey (Sonni-Lambie 82), McConnell (Onanuga 63), Bradshaw, Danns (Trueman 82), Wright.
Subs not used: Hall-MacDonald, Ayman, Cowley, Farkas.