Southend complete thrilling comeback to reach play-off semi-final | OneFootball

Southend United went from 3-1 down to winning 4-3 in extra-time to defeat Rochdale and advance into the National League play-off semi-final.

Rochdale took the lead inside the first 10 minutes after superb skill from Devante Rodney to find space in the box ended with the forward slotting home.

A cross from the right got Southend back on terms with the ball eventually finding Nathan Ralph to convert.

But the home side took the lead again in the 28th minute with Jay Bird's header putting Rochdale ahead again.

That lead was extended in the second half from the penalty spot after Noor Husin's foul. After scoring the opener, Rodney made no mistake to put his side 3-1 up.

From there, it should have been Rochdale moving on into the semi-final but Southend came storming back.

A ball from the left in the 74th minute was headed on by Tom Hopper. His effort initially hit the post but he was in the right place to react quickest and reduce the deficit.

It was 3-3 in the 80th minute when Hopper had a shot from close range that was saved but it bounced kindly for substitute Leon Chambers-Parillon to finish the rebound and take the game to extra-time.

With just over 100 minutes gone in the game, Southend took the lead for the first time when a corner from the right was headed in by Charley Kendall.

Rochdale almost provided one final twist when they had an effort crash off the bar instead they crashed out with Southend advancing to face Forest Green Rovers in the semi-finals.