Manager Keith Hill believes Dale “were excellent value for the victory” in Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.
Steven Davies’ second half strike sealed the points, as Rochdale recorded their third win on the bounce.
“Bolton are one of the biggest clubs in League 1, if not the biggest club in division and they carry an excellent squad, so I was really pleased with what our players did throughout the course of the game," Hill told Dale PlayerHD.
“The game could have gone either way. They had chances but then we had really good chances to put the game to bed and I think the players deserved that little bit luck.
“But listen, I’m not saying Bolton should have got something from the game because I thought we were excellent value for the victory. On another day, Jamie Allen might have got two and we hit the post, so I’m looking at it and thinking we could arguably have won the game two or three nil, but I don’t think that score-line would have been a reflection of the game.
“It was a really tight encounter but I thought we played well and I think we defended well. When the opposition throw the kitchen sink at you like they did, it’s very, very difficult to get out but we didn’t look under any major threat too many times. I thought we managed the game quite well and I’m pleased.”
Davies lashed the ball into the top corner of the net in the 53rd minute to break the deadlock and net his second goal for the club.
“It’s a great finish,” said Hill.
“His [footballing] brain and his play in the box are superb. We know why he has played Premier League football, and but for injuries, I think he might have played at full international level.
“He’s definitely feeling sharper. He’s not there yet and the processes and the hard-work will continue. He’s a real predator and he knows how to play centre-forward in the same way that Grant Holt did, but he’s a lot younger than Grant Holt.”
Dale are back on the road this weekend, as they make another trip to London, this time to face Charlton Athletic at the Valley.
“We’re looking forward to the game. We’ve had a great buffer tonight because nobody would have expected us to beat Bolton. We have to give the lads rest – the majority of what we do between now and Saturday is going to be rest.”
The full interview is on Dale PlayerHD.