Manager Keith Hill reflects on Rochdale’s 3-3 draw with Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park…
Having trailed 2-0, Ollie Rathbone pulled one back for Dale seven minutes after the break, only for the Iron net a third just moments later. Hill’s side battled hard and never gave up, and two goals, courtesy of Rathbone and Matty Gillam, earned Rochdale a point on the road.
“There wasn’t much wrong with the way we played in the first half, but we gifted Scunthorpe a two goal start,” said Hill.
“The only difference between the two sides in the first half was that we didn’t put our opportunities away. We had good opportunities – we got in behind and we got in between – but we fluffed our lines in front of goal, and the score line at half-time flatters the opponent.
“We got ourselves back into the game and then we give them another gift. Great delivery from set-plays from the opposition, but there was a total lack of responsibility from individuals, and, unfortunately, our supporters don’t see that.
“The free-kicks we’ve given away today is a lack of individual discipline and not doing the basics. That’s staying in the game, avoiding contact, making sure that you’re tackling and intercepting and making sure that you’re doing your job.”
He continued: “I’m disappointed with today and disappointed with all of the players, irrespective of what you consider to be a good performance from an individual. If I microscope it, I know deep down that they’ve not done what they’re supposed to do. Regardless of the fightback, regardless of the three points, regardless of the multiple opportunities on target, we failed to convert those opportunities, and the biggest sin of all is individually not protecting our own goal. We were a small side today without MJ Williams (slight knee twist) and Ryan Delaney (international duty), so it was important that we defended with intent today but we didn’t.
“We got it wrong a little bit today, but with the courage that the boys have shown in the fightback, if I’m being honest, we should have won the game.”
Watch the full interview on iFollow.