Calvin Andrew says scoring the winner in Monday’s win over Port Vale was an unbelievable feeling.
Andrew headed beyond Chris Neal deep in stoppage time to seal three important points for Dale as they continue on their play-off push.
Speaking after the game, Calvin said: “It’s an unbelievable feeling, for the club as well as myself. It was a hard-fought game that was a bit scrappy but to come away with a result is a brilliant feeling.
“It was a good team performance and we did well to stay in the game, giving ourselves a chance to win it.
“And that’s something that the Gaffer instils in us. He tells us to make sure that you stay in the game, and even if things aren’t going your way, continue to be persistent in the way that you play - that showed today [Monday]. We kept going and kept going and we managed to ground something out of the game.”
The match marked Calvin’s second substitute appearance since being side-lined with a knee problem. He had scored three goals in three appearances before sustaining the injury in February and he admits that he’s pleased to be back in action and back in amongst the goals.
“The injury came at a bad time. There’s no good time to get injured, but given the form I was in, it was very frustrating to be sat on the sidelines watching the lads playing. The goal is a great way to bounce back and it was just so important to get the win and the three points.”
Monday’s victory sees Dale remain within touching distance of the play-off places with six games to go, however, Calvin says he not looking too far ahead.
“We’re a humble side and we believe that you take every game as it comes. We’ve got to try and maintain getting three points until the end of the season.
“The Gaffer is level headed and he’s still on us to make sure that we’re doing the right things every day, both on and off the pitch, as all good Managers do. He makes sure he gets the best out of us.
“It’s a cliché thing to say, but there’s a great set of lads here as well as good staff and good people all around the place. There really is a great atmosphere and I’m enjoying my football."