Rochdale AFC suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat after conceding two goals in the final minutes of added time while leading 3-1. Head coach Watson said he was "really disappointed for the group" after the performance unravelled at the death.
"I thought the performance was outstanding for 94 minutes, and then in the last two minutes, we dropped off and allowed the opposition to score two goals," Watson explained. He was keen to focus on the positives, particularly the displays of three academy players who stepped up.
First-year scholar Tom Bradley made his first start, while Reece Leonard and Israel Pither both made their professional debuts. Watson described their performances as very good, adding he felt proud of the young lads who represented the club and were not only bodies on the pitch. The match continues a mixed run of form for Dale, who sit 17th in League Two with 7 points from their opening 7 games. Their recent results show two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five outings.
Attention now turns to the league campaign and a trip to face 11th-placed Fleetwood Town this Saturday. Fans can check the full upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page and view the full squad, including the latest academy graduates, on the squad list.
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