Manager Keith Hill spoke to Dale PlayerHD following Saturday’s 1-0 win over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena…
Ian Henderson netted a late penalty to secure three deserved points for Rochdale.
“It was a stone wall penalty,” said Hill as he reflected on the game.
“I’m pleased with the outcome and I’m pleased for Ian Henderson because I thought he worked exceptionally well today.
“I’m really encouraged by the performance because that’s what I expect from these players. It’s good because it comes off the back of what has been a really, really busy schedule.
“We’re now going into a free mid-week and I think we need a little bit of rest and recuperation.”
He continued: “It was a good performance.
"We came with a game plan, and while it’s ok having a game plan as a manager, the players have to enforce it and I was quite comfortable with most aspects of today.
“In fact, there were only a few minor scares when you consider the attacking prowess of the opposition. I thought we managed them very well.
“The stats will probably show that we dominated possession for large periods. I was really pleased with that.
“I don’t think you can come here and give Coventry the ball because they can absolutely destroy you. I expect Josh [Lillis] to come here and make saves and most of them were from distance.
“I think we kept a tight lid on [James] Maddison and [Adam] Armstrong, and if I’m perfectly honest with you, I look at their team and I believe that they [Maddison and Armstrong] are the heart-beat and the pulse of the team. If you can keep them quiet then you’ve got a fair chance of winning the game.”
The full interview is on Dale PlayerHD.