Liverpool U21's show 'character' in shootout win over Rochdale

[Getty Images] Boss Rob Page hailed the "character and resilience" of his Liverpool U21's side as they drew 3-3 against Rochdale in the Jersey Mike's Trophy while down to 10-men. The young Reds scored two goals in injury time to level the group-stage clash and then won the penalty shoot-out 7-6 against the League Two side to earn a bonus point. "What character and resilience the boys showed to come back from the sending off early on, to see the game through and play as much as we could with 10-men and to dig deep. I've nothing but praise for that group - great character," said Page, who added it was the proudest he'd been of the group since he took the job in 2025. Mor Talla Ndiaye was sent off in the first half for Liverpool before Devante Rodney broke the deadlock for Rochdale. Liverpool equalised before the break with a great solo goal from Will Wright, but Rochdale scored twice in quick succession in the second half through 41-year-old Ian Henderson. But Page's youngsters didn't give up and scored in the 94th and 96th minute through substitutes Ben Trueman and Josh Sonni-Lambie, before winning the shoot-out when Harvey Davies saved from the Rochdale goalkeeper after the first 13 penalties were all converted. "We talk about being proud to wear the jersey, and when you wear the badge, it comes with a level of expectation when you play for Liverpool," said Page. "They know that myself and Jay [Spearing] who's played for the club, won't accept anything less than 100%. They've got that built-in resilience. It's the character we want in the team. "We've tried to change the mentality in the 12 months I've been here and I'm seeing it every day in training. The intensity of training has increased and they've got that winning mentality. "It's not all about winning, it's about developing players, of course, but they must have that winning mentality and I think we've got it." The under-21 side's next outing is their second fixture in northern Group H of the Jersey Mike's Trophy – a visit to Doncaster Rovers of League One on 6 October.