Manager Keith Hill spoke to Dale Player following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium…
“I’m pleased that we got a result,” said Hill.
“We played well and probably deserved a little bit more, especially in the second half. I thought the first half was a non-event and we should have committed more to taking ourselves to the opposition.”
Controversy surrounded Rovers’ goal, with the referee and his linesman entering into lengthy deliberations before the goal was actually awarded. Hill gave his thoughts on the incident.
“I’m going to go and see the referee. The player is in an offside position. Not only that, he makes contact with our goalkeeper and he stops our goalkeeper from diving.
“I don’t know how they’ve actually come to the conclusion that he’s not interfering with play. These things happen, though, and I thought we rallied well in the second half.
“We dominated possession, we enforced our game and style on the opposition and should have scored more than one goal. I’m really pleased with our performance in the second half.”
Hill made key positional changes during the game, with Michael Rose switching to left back from midfield, Joe Rafferty moving from left back to right back, and Andy Cannon moving into the centre of the pitch
from right back.
The Gaffer says making swift decisions is vital if Dale are to pick up points.
“I wasn’t getting what I wanted. Players have got to realise that we’ve got a five game season. We can’t wait and see – waiters work in restaurants, I’ve always said that.
“We can’t wait and see what the opposition are going to offer up. We’ve got to make sure that we take that leap of faith and take our game to the opposition. It’s no good playing when you’re one-nil down and
saying come on, let’s step it up.
“I’ve said all this to the players and it’s about going out and taking our game to the opposition, which I don’t think we did in the first half. In the second half we did and unfortunately you have to make sacrifices when you’re trying to achieve anything.
“I had to play players, probably where they don’t want to play. Being honest with you, I don’t think Michael Rose wants to play at left back, but I think he served well from there – he created the goal which led to
Hendo’s 19th goal of the season. So yeah, I did have to change it around but I wanted results and there has to be sacrifices made.”
The full interview is available to view on Dale Player.