Courtney Baker-Richardson's off-target spot-kick meant Tranmere missed four penalties in a row
Rochdale booked their place in the Carabao Cup first round with a penalty shootout win over Tranmere after an entertaining 2-2 draw at Prenton Park.
Dale triumphed 2-1 in the shootout after Ryan East and Zain Silcott-Duberry's strikes cancelled out Charlie Whitaker and Jordan Davies' impressive finishes.
Tranmere's opener came inside five minutes as Whitaker latched on to Tom Conlon's through ball before calmly dinking past the onrushing Nils Ramming to give Darrell Clarke's side an early lead.
Rovers' joy was short-lived though, as East lashed home from close range to level proceedings in the 11th minute following a goalmouth scramble.
Rochdale settled after the break and looked the more likely to score before Davies struck home with an excellent half-volley to the goalkeeper's bottom-left corner on the hour mark.
Dale refused to accept defeat though, and substitute Silcott-Duberry provided the equaliser with five minutes to go, firing past Harrison Male at the back post from East's corner.
Ramming prevented a certain Davies goal in stoppage time with a superb save to his left, before Jacob Slater volleyed narrowly wide to ensure the tie headed for penalties.
Tranmere missed four spot-kicks in a row and Rochdale's place in the next round was confirmed when debutant Courtney Baker-Richardson blazed over the bar.
Match report supplied by PA Media
