Manager Keith Hill has been reflecting on Dale’s FA Cup tie against Northampton Town as his sides prepares to host the Cobblers in a first round replay on Tuesday evening...
“It’s a game we could have lost so credit to the players because they dealt well with the situation [after going down to ten men after just 15 minutes].
“There has been a change of weather in recent weeks and we are coming into the windy season. The wind affected the game and it was difficult but we had 64% possession in the first half with ten men, so that was brilliant from the lads.
“In the second half we were kicking into the wind and it was difficult but the lads stuck in there. I’d have been disappointed if we’d have lost but at the same time we could have won and we were unlucky not to when Ashley Eastham hit the post. We had one or two opportunities but I’m pleased that we’ve got ourselves a replay.”
And speaking after Saturday’s League One encounter at Port Vale, Hill commented: “This [Tuesday night’s replay] is a difficult fixture, but it’s a good opportunity to play a game.
“We’re on a good pitch, we’re on a great run of results and form so I don’t see why we can’t progress, but it’s going to be a difficult task.”