Calvin Andrew believes Saturday’s win over Port Vale shows Dale's character.
The side came from a goal down to claim a deserved three points from the League One fixture at Spotland.
Andrew gave his assessment of the game, which was played out in lashing rain.
“We started a bit slowly. We conceded a goal and I don’t think the conditions helped us with that one, it was kind of stuck in a puddle but we showed good resolve, good character to come back and win the game.
“It’s fairly difficult to play in conditions like that. The pitch is good enough in that the ball stays rolling most of the time but we’re a good enough team to deal with conditions like that. We’re all good enough technically and comfortable on the ball, so it was fine.”
After going behind to a 13th minute goal, Dale were relentless going forward and deservedly secured the victory thanks to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s strike 12 minutes from time after Ian Henderson had equalised shortly before half-time.
His goal came after Rochdale had twice been denied on the line in the second half, as well as the Valiants having the woodwork to thank as Richard Duffy’s clearance thundered off his own post.
“We should have scored more goals, myself included," said Andrew.
"I had chances myself that I should have taken. But it shows the character of the team to come from a goal down and we were peppering their goal for the rest of the game.”
Andrew netted a late stoppage time winner against Port Vale at Spotland last season to keep Dale’s play-off hopes alive and he says that moment is well remembered.
“I was thinking about it the day before the game, but as you come into a game, you go in with a clear mind and concentrating on performing for the team. But I do remember that goal well, it was a good moment.”
Academy graduate James Hooper made his first senior start in Saturday’s win over the Valiants and Andrew is full of praise for the youngster.
“He’s a great player, James. He’s fearless on the ball. He plays the game very well and it’s a pleasure when someone comes through the youth system and comes into the team like that. We were all encouraging him. He takes everything on board and he’s doing superbly."
Rochdale host local rivals Bury in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup this Sunday (December 6th), with the tie being shown live on BT Sport.
“Everyone likes to be in the spotlight with the cameras here but we’ll take it the same way we have done like any other game. Every time you pull on the shirt and you step out on the pitch it’s exciting and you just enjoy playing football. There are loads of people in the world who would love to do what we do and we’re privileged to do it. Every time we go out there we give it 100 percent.”