Rochdale progress to first round of EFL Cup

Tranmere Rovers 2 - 2 Rochdale (Rochdale won 2-1 on penalties)

Rochdale secured their place in the first round of the EFL Cup after prevailing in a penalty shoot-out following an entertaining draw with Tranmere. 

Author | Kris W

Stadium | Prenton Park

Dale edged the shoot-out 2-1 after Ryan East and Zain Silcott-Duberry cancelled out fine finishes from Charlie Whitaker and Jordan Davies during normal time.

A closer analysis of what happened

Tranmere made the perfect start, taking the lead inside five minutes when Whitaker raced on to Tom Conlon's incisive through ball before delicately lifting his finish over the advancing Nils Ramming to hand Darrell Clarke's side an early advantage.

Their lead lasted only six minutes, however, as East reacted quickest after a goalmouth scramble to fire home from close range and restore parity.

Rochdale looked the stronger side after the interval and threatened more regularly before Davies restored Tranmere's lead on the hour with a superb half-volley that flew into the bottom left corner.

Dale responded impressively once again and substitute Silcott-Duberry levelled with five minutes remaining, turning East's corner in at the back post beyond Harrison Male.

Ramming then produced an outstanding save to deny Davies deep into stoppage time before Jacob Slater volleyed narrowly wide, sending the contest to penalties.

Tranmere missed four successive spot-kicks, with debutant Courtney Baker-Richardson blazing over to confirm Rochdale's place in the next round.