Rochdale are back in action at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday for the third time in a week, hosting AFC Wimbledon in Sky Bet League Two.
Dale were 2-1 winners over Barrow AFC in the league last weekend and drew 2-2 (2-4 pens) with Salford City in the Papa John’s Trophy in midweek.
Manager Jim Bentley says the players are looking forward to another home fixture.
“Of course they are,” said the gaffer. “We won [here] last time out in the league out and the last two away games have been superb, with a 1-0 win in both of them. You’re always wanting to do it in front of your home fans. Obviously it’s your home ground and you want to make it into a fortress. Fans pay their money to come and watch and support you, and ultimately you want to give them something to cheer about and go home happy on a Saturday or Tuesday night.
“We’re looking to win the game, that goes without saying. We want to continue doing what we’re doing and continue the positivity that’s going through the club. We want to continue to build on that, but it’s going to take hard work and everybody in a together mentality and we need everyone’s backing.
“I’ve been in the game a long time to realise that it only takes one moment or one situation to just nip away at that little bit of momentum that you’re building, and it’s important that everyone stays focused and everyone stays together and that we all move forward together.
“We’re looking forward to it [Saturday’s match]. It’s a game we believe we can win, but we’ll never underestimate anyone and we’ll always pay them the respect that they are due. They’re ahead of us in the league and this is an opportunity for us to get right in amongst them, so very much looking forward to it and hopefully it’s three points come Saturday at tea time.”
Bentley has now been in charge at Dale for ten matches and he has been reflecting on his time so far at the club.
“It’s ten games in and a mixed bag. We’ve won four out of the ten, we’ve drawn three and lost three. The three that we lost were to Leyton Orient, Northampton and Doncaster. In there, you’re looking at two teams who are second and third, and on another we could have got a point against Leyton Orient. We drew with Carlisle who are flying high there in the play-offs and doing really well, so we’ve had some tough challenges, but, again, after the next ten, I hope I’m saying we’re a little bit better again, as that’s what it’s all about.
“There’s no magic wand in life, never mind in football. You can’t just come in to a club that only had one point on the board and had only scored four goals in the first eight games and then suddenly you wave that magic wand and we win every week. But what we are seeing is improvement in all areas. Suddenly the spirit has lifted, there seems to a better energy around the place, there’s a better energy amongst the fan base and everyone is positive and looking forward to the next game. We believe every game that we go into is a game that we can win.
“We’re scoring goals, we should have more. We’ve created enough chances to suggest that and we’ve missed a penalty in there, as well. We’re doing ok. We’ve pulled ourselves away from the position that we didn’t want to be in but it’s only the start and we’ve got to make sure that we get our foot on the gas and keep improving, keep being positive and keep embracing every challenge that comes our way.
“It’s a difficult league - I’ve known it for years as a player and a manager - and everyone is capable of beating anyone, so getting that little bit of a consistent run together and that momentum, which we’ve been on recently, is important.
“It’s important that we do all we can to make sure that - whether you’re a player, a staff member, the board, supporters or anyone associated with the club, that you’re all striving to win games of football and get round each other. It’s that siege mentality and cheering each other on to the three points come every matchday. And if we can do that [three points on matchday], that would be great as we’d keep moving forward.
“On the ten games - good in some areas but room for improvement in others. I think we’re on the upward curve and long may that continue.”
Watch the boss’ pre-match interview in full on the club’s YouTube channel.