Brian Barry-Murphy labelled Saturday’s 1-0 win at Rotherham United as an amazing result for his side.
Aaron Morley’s first-half goal ultimately sealed the win, but the Dale boss was delighted with his side’s character in the win.
“It is an amazing result for the players,” said Barry-Murphy.
“It is testament to their character that they have come through. We were deserved winners in the end and I think it was a performance full of courage and personality.
“The lads have always been together, but we have been desperate for them to get the results their work rate deserves.
“We have had a load of adversity again over the last three or four weeks, and beyond that, with our injury list.
“We were at a point yesterday of not having enough players to fill our bench, hence young Ethan Brierley, who played in an Academy game yesterday, was on the bench.
“That is difficult for our squad, but the guys were amazing and it was amazing to see nine Academy graduates in our squad today.”
Aaron Wilbraham missed the game following the passing of his mother on Friday, with the Dale staff and players paying their respects by wearing black armbands and dedicating the goal to her memory.
“There were nine players missing and it was a really hard week for us and it became very difficult yesterday. Aaron Wilbraham lost his mum early.
“He was a significant part of our preparations as he is such a huge figure amongst everybody. It took a huge part of our emotion, which was shown in the game and in the celebrations.
“I didn’t know about the celebration beforehand. I thought if we would score, that it would be fitting for him.
“It was significant for Aaron Morley to score because him and Aaron Wilbraham have been exceptionally close throughout the time they have spent together, so for Aaron to score, it felt like it was strangely written that way.
“It was such a good goal, befitting of winning any game, which it did. It was an amazing move and our players have produced those moves over and over again this season.
“It is not by chance, but practise, repetition, speed and work rate. If you put everything together in those moments, you get a goal like that.
“I thought some of our play in the first-half should have developed more chances and, slightly contrary to that, we got into the final third by creating well.
“I felt we should have scored more goals, but we also found a way to defend. In the second-half the whole team defended really well.”
The full interview with Barry-Murphy is available to watch on iFollow Dale HERE.