Manager Keith Hill has told Dale PlayerHD that he hopes his players can take the product of last weekend’s win over Scuthorpe United into Saturday’s League One fixture against Northampton Town.
Speaking to Dale PlayerHD, he commented: “We knew that if we got the performance right against Scunthorpe then it would be good. The result was a reflection of the performance and getting three points is really important against the top of the league.
“Scunthorpe have been the flagship with respect to being the best team in the league up until this point, but we were at our very best, and when we are at our best, then we’re more than a match for anyone.
“The product of that result/ performance should be mirrored into this week and it has been on the training pitch. We’ve got to make sure we take that into this weekend’s fixture against Northampton.”
Hill is expecting a tough test at Sixfields but says it’s a game he’s looking forward to.
“Northampton have acclimatised very well to League One and their recruitment drive in the summer suggested they were going to be a play-off contender, and I think they still will be.
“We’re confident at this moment in time going into this game, there’s no question about that, but I know the opposition, I know what they’ll try and do against us and we’ve got to make sure we do that with the way we play as well.”
After reflecting on the figures released by the EFL last week which confirmed that Dale are one of the best in the country at giving young players game time, Hill was once again full of praise for his squad of players.
“I was watching some of the Sky Pundits last night and they were taking about how there can be an inconsistency with young players, but when our young players get it right with the energy that we play with, then we’re very, very good.
“We’ve got a little bit of experience blended in as well and we’re trying to give the young players experience. The list, which was released last week with regards to the number of players under the age of 21 making appearances, Coventry are right at the top of the list but they seem to be losing a lot of games. If you look at Swindon and Crewe, who are in second and third, Crewe got relegated last season and Swindon are struggling in League One, so we’re really punching above our weight with respect to the appearances that we’re giving to the young players and the success that we’re getting on the pitch."
Dale were listed as number four in the table.
The full interview is on Dale PlayerHD.