Manager Brian Barry-Murphy reflects on Dale’s 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth at Fratton Park…
“There’s natural disappointment amongst the lads and ourselves about how we played in the first half - I thought we could have done much better,” said BBM.
“Our intensity and effort was fine but our skill levels were quite poor. We didn’t keep the ball for long periods and, as such, we looked pretty vulnerable to Portsmouth when they attacked. We saw the difference in the second half when we kept the ball much better and controlled the game.
“There’s a little bit of regret there, but we’re very focused on how well we pushed right until the end. We obviously scored a goal which was a little bit too late today but if we can reproduce that on Monday then I’m sure we can do well.”
“It [Beesley’s goal] is the type of move that the lads have been practicing a lot in terms of getting into the wider areas of the pitch and producing that the type of cross. Jake’s movement is very good.
“Like I said, our level of performance in the first half just didn’t replicate that. On certain days when we don’t play well we have to try as hard to get better at that but it was a great goal and testament to the effort the lads put in.
“We’re very focused on what we need to do and the lads know how to do that and the next game is the key part of how we bounce back.”
Watch the Boss’ post-match interview in full on iFollow Dale.