Manager Keith Hill on Dale’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at the Crown Oil Arena…
“The moment the ball (Steven Davies’ goal) hit the back of the net was a reward. The performance deserved the opportunity to at least go to Wembley in a replay,” said Hill in his post-match press conference.
“I thought the first half was magnificent with the way we took the game to the opposition. Why not take them on, why not try and win it? And I thought we gained their respect.
“It was tremendous for us to score the first goal and go into half-time winning – it was a marvellous feeling for the players. In the second half, I thought the players were magnificent in their response to both goals.
“For us to get that late equaliser, wow! That was raw emotion, not just from me, but from the players, the staff and from the supporters as well. I’m really pleased that the players have got their rewards and are going to Wembley.”
Spurs needed a late penalty to come from behind against Hill’s side, but Dale’s never say die attitude saw Steven Davies net a stoppage tie equaliser to secure a well-deserved draw.
“Fatigue levels were so high [when Harry Kane netted from the spot] and psychologically it could have made a real impact, but it didn’t.
“I was really thankful that the opportunity dropped to Steven Davies, because he’s the best finisher at the football club. Ian Henderson will argue that and that’s fine, because I thought his finish was also superb.
“I feel as though the performance, regardless if it had been 2-1 to Tottenham was good, and I feel as though the plan that we delivered as a group of players was for the footballing world to see that you can be positive to win a game, no matter the opposition.”