Manager Brian Barry-Murphy reflects on Rochdale’s defeat to Lincoln City at the Crown Oil Arena…
“We played against a very good opponent who, once they got in front, were pretty clinical," said BBM.
"As the second half progressed and they got that second goal, it became a difficult game for us. But up until the point that they scored their first goal I felt as if we were in an evenly matched tie and I was very excited by the performance, but it didn’t materialise after we went behind.
“They didn’t give us an inch [in front of goal]. They were pretty clinical in their attacking play and the way they kept the ball, and I thought they defended well. Neither team had a chance up until they scored their first goal and that was going to be critical.
“In the second half, I was a little bit disappointed with how many problems we caused them, but I think that’s largely down to how good they were and how well they controlled the game.”
Dale went into the game against second placed Lincoln City on the back of Tuesday night’s win over Plymouth Argyle.
“We scored really early against Plymouth and put in a dominant performance, but with all due respect, Lincoln were on another level and I think the key part of the game was the first goal that they scored. We didn’t respond to that and we weren’t able to respond to it.
“They controlled the game well in the second half and we only had bits and pieces in the second half, if I’m being honest, and we didn’t provide any real pressure towards the Lincoln goal.
“It was disappointing result for us, but in the overall scheme of things it has been a relatively good week and we learn from today.”
Ollie Rathbone was forced off through injury around the hour mark on Saturday and BBM provided an update on the midfielder.
“He’s damages some ligaments. It doesn’t look overly severe but we will assess that on Monday. There are no major worries from that point of view.”
Watch the full interview on iFollow Dale.