Manager Keith Hill reflects on Dale’s 2-1 win over Shrewsbury Town at the Crown Oil Arena…
Goals from Ian Henderson and Steven Davies secured Dale’s tenth consecutive home league win.
Henderson opened the scoring inside four minutes with a calm finish, before Davies doubled the lead shortly before the half hour mark from close range.
Rochdale had chances for a third in the second half, but the Shrews pulled a goal back late on. However, Ivan Toney’s effort proved to be just a consolation goal as Keith Hill’s men held on for a win which means they will sit 4th in League One heading into the New Year.
Hill told Dale PlayerHD: “We weren’t at our very best today. We looked a little bit leggy at times - it’s a big ask to get that type of energy out of Calvin Andrew and Steven Davies in successive games, but we had one or two opportunities. I thought we could have put them game to bed but we didn’t take those.
“They looked dangerous most of the night and they were a real threat. I think they can count themselves unfortunate not to get anything from the game.
“I thought we saw it out quite comfortably in the end, but I think they’re a good side and they caused us problems this evening. We didn’t really play with that 90-minute energy that I’m used to us playing with.”
There were claims amongst the Shrewsbury camp that Davies’ goal should have been ruled out for offside and Hill admits he can’t argue with that.
“I can’t stand here and lie - Davies is probably offside, but I don’t think the ball is kicked out of the goalkeeper’s hands. It might be a gift but we’ve had one or two that have gone against us this season and one or two that have gone for us, so I’m not too sure if they balance themselves out. I’d be aggrieved if I was Paul [Hurst, Shrewsbury Manager], but at the end of the day, we’re happy to take the three points.”
Watch the full interview on Dale PlayerHD.