Manager Keith Hill spoke to Dale Player following Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to Walsall at Spotland…
“Walsall are a very good side.
“I think the game was in the balance and I think at the time they scored the first goal we were looking more likely to score, so from that perspective, I thought we were doing well.
“I thought the change was working and the first goal was going to kill either side, and it almost killed us.
“I thought we responded well after the second goal because the second goal comes too quick after the first goal.
“I’m obviously disappointed with losing the game but I’m encouraged by the lion’s share of what’s happened.”
He continued: “It’s difficult at this moment in time because we’re not getting the energy due to playing Saturday and Tuesday, Saturday and Tuesday. We’re trying to do everything we possibly can but one or two of the players are under performing energy wise.
“Again, I was reasonably happy with the first half – we created one or two chances, it was nil-nil and we had kept another clean sheet.
“But, for me, the first goal is avoidable. It’s very difficult to see a full-back scoring a goal against us. I’m really disappointed with respect to that.
“We done well against probably one of the best strikers in the league. We nullified his threat but a full-back scores the first goal and that’s disappointing from my perspective. We shouldn’t be disappointed from a back four perspective as I can’t say that it’s their fault.
“But again, I thought we responded well. After they scored the second goal I looked at the team and with 20 minutes to go I thought they looked beaten and it took us five minutes to adjust.
“Ultimately that five minutes killed us because our end of game response was five minutes too late. I think if had another five minutes then we may well have got the equaliser.
“But I won’t complain. We have to deal with results whether we win, lose or draw and I’m looking for a response from the players having lost the game.”
The full interview is available to view on Dale Player.