Rochdale 1 - 1 Sunderland (Rochdale won 4-2 on penalties)

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Ian Henderson scored for Rochdale

Ian Henderson’s cheeky back heel earned Rochdale a point in the EFL Trophy opening group stage with Dale going on to earn a bonus point by winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2 against Sunderland. The Dale captain diverted Jamie Allen’s low free-kick into the bottom corner after Elliot Embleton had put Sunderland into the lead with a superb finish.

In a new format for the Football League Trophy, each team is placed in a four team mini league and for the first time, category one academies from Premier League and Championship sides have been allowed to enter. The new format means that the U23 sides must name a minimum number of U21s but can name first team players if they so wish.

The Dale boss made the maximum six changes to his side with Josh Lillis, Scott Tanser, Matt Lund, Callum Camps, Peter Vincenti and Joe Bunney all given starts.

Sunderland, watched from the stands by first team manager David Moyes, named in their starting 11 former Bayern Munich player Jan Kirchhoff and Belgium International Jason Denayer, who signed on transfer deadline day on loan from Manchester City.

Dale started the game better and settled into a nice rhythm that caused problems for their opponents.

Peter Vincenti saw his header pushed away in the opening minutes after Henderson’s cross.

Joe Bunney had a couple of sights at goal in the opening quarter of an hour. Firstly, neat play from Camps set up the young striker; Denayer getting in a timely block, then a header was off target minutes later.

Rochdale captain Henderson thought he’d opened the scoring when he was picked out by Camps but his shot hit the side netting.

Camps’ 30 yard free-kick was punched clear by Stryjek as Dale piled on the pressure with Sunderland relying on their pace to try and hit Dale on the break.

Lillis had to be alert when the super quick George Honeyman was played in with the Dale keeper quickly out to sweep the ball away.

As the half drew to a close, Sunderland looked more likely to break the deadlock.

A free-kick on the left picked out Kirchhoff but the 6’ 5” German couldn’t get his header on target.

Dale started the second half as they had the first and almost edged in front via the boot of defender Michael Ledger, his sliced clearance bouncing off the crossbar and behind for a corner.

As with a number of games this season, despite controlling the play, Rochdale found themselves behind. A swift break down the left by full back Tom Robson left Rafferty in his wake with his centre finding Embleton. The 17-year-old exchanged passes with Josh Maja before curling a delightful left foot shot beyond Lillis for his first of the season.

If Dale felt hard done by they didn’t let it show and were back on level terms just six minutes later. Henderson was brought down just to the left of the penalty area by Denayer and from Allen’s low free-kick, Henderson was able to divert the ball through a packed six yard box and into the bottom corner.

It was no less than Dale deserved and they piled on the pressure as they looked for a winner.

Matt Lund’s shot deflected into the side netting. From the corner Niall Canavan forced Stryjek into a save

Jamie Allen had the ball in the back of the net with 13 minutes left to play but an assistant's flag cut short the celebrations. Allen was quickest to react after Henderson’s stunning shot thumped the post.

With the full time whistle nearing, Dale substitute Sanmi Odelusi shot over twice meaning penalties would be needed to decide the bonus point.

George Honeyman blazed over. Josh Lillis saved Tom Robson’s spot kick to give Dale a 3-1 lead. Harrison McGahey saw his kick saved but Sanmi Odelusi stepped up to win it for his side, meaning Dale start the competition with two points. Stephen Davies, Joe Rafferty and Joe Bunney were the other penalty scorers for Dale.

Rochdale: Lillis, Rafferty, McGahey, Canavan, Tanser, Allen, Lund (Mendez-Laing 65), Camps, Vincenti (Davies 65), Bunney, Henderson (c)( Odelusi 82).
Subs: (not used) Logan, McNulty, McDermott, Keane.

Sunderland: Stryjek, J Robson, Ledger, Denayer, T Robson (c), Greenwood, E Robson, Kirchoff, Embleton (Molyneux 84), Honeyman, Maja (Nelson 73).
Subs: (not used) Beadling, Pain, Brady, Casey, Wright.

Referee: Mr G Salisbury
Assistants: Mr M D’Aguilar and Mr R Massey-Ellis
Fourth Official: Mr R L Johnson

Attendance: 1,184 (235 from Sunderland)