Manager Robbie Stockdale reflects on Dale’s 3-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the final group stage game of this season’s Papa John’s Trophy…
“It’s disappointing,” said the Gaffer.
“They’re a good team and they’ve got good players but I felt that we made it really easy for them, especially in the first half.
“I was disappointed with our competitive edge and everything that we ask or demand of the players, we didn’t quite get enough of that from some of them.
“It's disappointing to finish the Papa John’s Trophy group stage like that, but if you’re not right at the level, especially against good quality, then you get found out.”
Two goals in two minutes put Wanderers ahead, before they added a third from the penalty spot in stoppage time at the end of the first half.
“[That goal knocked the stuffing out of us]. Even if you get in 2-0 at half-time, you can tell the tale that if we get the next goal it’s game on.
“The goals are disappointing to concede then you’re asking for a reaction and for the players to come out in the second half and be more aggressive with the ball. Our quality with the ball had to improve as well - we made so many unforced errors and we looked a little bit like a team that had players that hadn’t played a lot of minutes.
“I’ve got full belief in every player in the building but, tonight, if you’ve got six or seven not quite winning their individual battles, it makes it difficult to get a result.”
Watch the Boss’ post-match interview in full on the club’s YouTube channel.