Rochdale Under 15s secure place in knockout stages of the Premier League Floodlit Cup

Date published: 27 January 2017


Rochdale Under 15s needed just a point from their final group stage match, and they got the required result against Blackburn Rovers to ensure progression in the competition.

Lee Riley, Academy coach, said: “The players have done the whole club and the academy proud. We’re all really proud of them.

“I told them before the game that they’d already exceeded expectations with what they’d achieved up until this point, so tonight was a free hit for them and a bit of a bonus.

“We went into the competition a little bit cold and not knowing what to expect, so I’m really pleased with the character they’ve shown from the first game when they lost to Manchester City to where they are now.”

The Premier League Floodlit Cup was launched last year to give young players the opportunity of playing competitive football, whilst allowing them to adapt to the demands and conditions of evening matches that senior players face on a regular basis.

Rochdale was one of just eight category two and category three clubs from across the country to secure qualification to the competition, after clubs from outside category one were invited to qualify for the first time.

After finishing runners up in the group to last year’s winners Manchester City, an away tie against another elite side awaits the Dale youngsters.

Riley said: “We don’t know who it’ll be yet, but we’ll play whoever tops the group with Derby, Wolves, Leicester and Aston Villa in it. It’ll be a nice little midweek trip for the boys and another good for experience for them. They are happy to go and play anyone now.”

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