Manager Robbie Stockdale reflects on Dale’s late defeat to Mansfield Town at the Crown Oil Arena…
“I’m gutted and I’m gutted for the players. I thought it was a wholehearted performance. I thought it was chalk and cheese from our game at the weekend, so I was pleased with that”, said the Gaffer.
“I think you can tell - and this is no disrespect to the other players - but when you get a Paul Downing back in the team, it helps the others, but then we’ve had two injuries to two key players during the game.
“I felt the game was on the balance and very, very close, but unfortunately for us they’ve had that one moment near the end. I think if both managers had shook hands on a draw, then both managers would have been satisfied with that.”
He continued: “It’s always hard in the heat of the moment and when losing such a late goal, but I think the positives I can take from it was that I didn’t see any player not giving their absolute all.
“I felt that we created some half decent moments. We played a different shape and a different style to what I’d normally like to play, but it seemed to work and it seemed to nullify them and we had a couple of moments on counter-attacks, but maybe it’s just that little bit of quality at the top end of the pitch. I’m thinking in particular that set-plays weren’t great.
“But I’ve said to the players there, that although we demand the quality at the top end of the pitch in particular but also everywhere, I’m satisfied that they put a shift in against a very good team. I didn’t think we didn’t deserve to lose it.”
James Ball and Tahvon Campbell were both forced off with injury during the game. Stockdale says it’s too early to offer a full update but confirmed that Ball suffered a groin injury, while Campbell took a kick to the foot.
“You’re losing two players that you brought in, in January, and obviously with just getting Paul [Dowing] back as well. It’s too early to say much about the injuries - Tahv got a kick on his foot when he had the shot and James has a groin injury.
“They’re key players for us and it looks like they’ll be missing for a little bit for so it’s a case of getting one back then losing two. It’s not ideal but maybe that’s opportunities coming around for other players now.”
Watch the full interview on the club’s YouTube channel.