A frustrating afternoon at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday saw ten man Rochdale fall to defeat against Burton Albion.
Captain Peter Cavanagh was shown a controversial straight red card on seven minutes in what was a game changing decision.
Despite holding their own for the majority of the match, Dale left the Pirelli empty handed after an own goal from Olly Lancashire shortly before half time gave the home-side a 1-0 win.
Manager Keith Hill was left angered and frustrated by the harsh decision, but is remaining optimistic despite the result.
He told Dale Player: “We showed endeavour, commitment and character. We had a lion’s share of the possession, but the goal conceded was unfortunate. It’s the first time we’ve really been undone as a consequence of ourselves, but again I’m pretty pleased with the performance and the endeavour that we showed.
“Burton have got a good home record, but I was optimistic and I still remain optimistic because the players didn’t give up, they didn’t give the opposition an easy game and we looked to push on at the end in pursuit of trying to get something from the game.
“I’m relatively pleased by what the players are doing, what I’m trying to achieve and what the club is trying to achieve, but I can’t legislate for match changing decisions that the referee makes so early in the game.
“It has been a decision that has somewhat dictated the remainder of the game and that is unfortunate.”
You can listen to the full interview with Manager Keith Hill on Dale Player now.