Luke Matheson says Saturday’s 1-0 win at Rotherham United was the best he has been involved in as a footballer.
The 17-year-old was part of a defensive unit that kept a clean sheet against the League One playoff chasers, as well as providing the assist for Aaron Morley’s winning strike.
The Dale Academy graduate says the team spirit amongst the group was key to claiming the three points.
“That’s the definitely the best win I’ve ever been involved in as a footballer,” said Matheson.
“The way we played in the first-half and the way we were unbelievably solid in the second-half was unreal. The whole team, not just the back four/five, the whole eleven were all immense.
“We’ve got such a good group of players all the way through. From myself at 17, all the way through to Alby [Aaron Wilbraham] at 40.
“Everyone is so close to one another. The culture that BBM [Brian Barry-Murphy] has created is amazing and it’s one everyone can thrive off.
“That feeling of a win, especially after a performance like that, to celebrate it as a whole squad and coaching staff is amazing. We get into the changing rooms and we’re banging on the lockers, everybody was absolutely buzzing!”
The England Under-18 international also heaped praised on fellow Academy graduate Morley, whose stunning strike secured Dale’s first league win since October.
“I’m claiming the assist – Campsy [Callum Camps] didn’t touch it! He shouted for the ball back but he left it for Aaron who put it in the top corner, so I wasn’t complaining!
“We all know what Aaron can do with the ball when he gets it. He can zing it and put it anywhere he wants to, so you almost knew where it was going.
“Myself and Aaron first really played together when we won the league with the Youth Team.
“This year we’ve both been given the opportunity by Brian to play in the eleven. We know each other well and everyone knows what he can do, so it’s amazing to see him doing well.”