Southend hit back to beat Rochdale in extra-time and reach National League semis

Charley Kendall’s extra-time header propelled Southend into the Vanarama National League semi-finals as they completed a stunning 4-3 comeback victory over Rochdale in their play-off eliminator.

Devante Rodney opened the scoring for hosts Rochdale in the eighth minute at the Crown Oil Arena before Nathan Ralph levelled in the 22nd minute.

Jay Bird fired Rochdale back in front before the break and Rodney’s penalty made it 3-1 after the restart before goals from Tom Hopper and Leon Chambers-Parillon took the match to extra-time.

Kendall nodded Southend in front 11 minutes into the first extra period and it proved enough to book a final-four meeting with Forest Green, with Harvey Gilmour clipping the crossbar for Rochdale as they chased a leveller.