Rochdale manager Keith Hill admitted after the draw with Port Vale on the opening day of the season, his side should have taken maximum points back to Spotland and whilst he's pleased with the overall performance, he's less so with the match officials.

"The only thing I'm disappointed with at the end of the day is the decision by the linesman to award that penalty," said Hill.  "If I'm wrong and I don't think I am, then I'll apologise, but if he is then I expect him to do the same.

"I do feel we have been robbed of three points because the performance was excellent, expect perhaps in front of goal.  I told the players after the game they were guilty of trying to score the perfect goal at times, however I still thought we were excellent today.

"We took the game to the opposition, dominated with and without the ball and there only threat was from set plays which we had prepared ourselves for.  Sadly I cannot control what the officials do but I truly believe we should have been walking away from here with all three points."

Amongst the players who walked off with their heads held high was one whose neck was a little longer than the rest.  Joe Thompson capped an honest shift with Dale's goal and it was a performance that pleased the Dale boss.

"Joe has his critics like I had them at Blackburn when I was a kid, but Joe has to mature mentally and when he does he will be an outstanding player who will go on to play at an higher level.

"We are trying to endorse bringing the young players through so that they can help Rochdale play at a higher level."

There's lots more from the Dale boss on DALE PLAYER including a look at Tuesday nights upcoming encounter with Sheffield Wednesday - click here right for the full interview only on Dale Player