Carlisle United fought back from two goals down to claim a point against Rochdale in their second match in the U17 PDL Cup.
Goals from Borys Harabasz, Nathan Wheatley and Zac Tonge helped United to a draw in what could prove to be a crucial result in their group.
Mark Birch made eight changes from Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chesterfield with several under-16s coming into the side.
United carved out the first chance of the afternoon after winning the ball high up the pitch before Trialist A tried his luck from distance, which narrowly missed the target.
The hosts would take the lead just before the 10 minute-mark when Jake Martyn’s powerful free-kick snuck past Brad Robinson.
Finley Boertien, playing in defence today, produced a top last-ditch tackle to prevent Dale from doubling their lead.
The Blues would pull themselves level through Harabasz, who managed to sneak in at the back post to tap-in Josh Wade’s low ball across the box.
Cairo Fanning would be presented with Rochdale’s best chance in the remaining of the first-half after rising highest to connect with a deep cross, but couldn’t keep his header down.
Birch would be forced into making an early change due to injury, with Alex McDonough replacing Oscar Murphy who was unable to continue.
HALF-TIME: Rochdale 1-1 Carlisle United
Robinson was forced into an early save in the second-half to keep out Fanning, who was able to swivel and get a shot away.
Less than a minute later the hosts would take the lead through Reece Leonard after he got on the end of Ethan Horrocks’ cross.
Rochdale would extend their lead when Billy Hardwidge drove through United’s defence before showing composure to finish past Robinson.
With just under 20 minutes to go, substitute Wheatley reduced the deficit after latching onto Tonge’s long ball over the top before cooling finishing past Mackai Gee.
Tonge would level proceedings in the closing minutes when he smashed the ball into the net after receiving it from Wade.
With momentum now in their favour, United pushed for a winner but were unable to find one and were forced to settle for a point which could still be crucial in their PDL Cup group.
FULL-TIME: Rochdale 3-3 Carlisle United
Team:
Carlisle United: Robinson, Moynan (Aaron 64’), Miller, Murphy (McDonough 37’), Boertien, Cumersky (Tonge 64’), Harabasz, Hodgson, Stuart (Rafferty 64’), Trailist A (Wheatley 64’), Wade
Goals:
Rochdale: (Martyn 8’), (Leonard 56’), (Hardwidge 66’)
Carlisle United: (Harabasz 29’), (Wheatley 72’), (Tonge 87’)
Yellow Cards:
Rochdale: N/A
Carlisle United: N/A
Red Cards:
Rochdale: N/A
Carlisle United:N/A
