Jim Bentley says Saturday’s game against Doncaster Rovers has the makings of a good game.
Both sides go into the game off the back of wins last weekend, as Rovers ran out convincing 4-1 winners over Crawley Town and Dale’s 1-0 win at Colchester United.
“Like I say every week, it’s another tough game,” said Bentley.
“They had a good win last weekend although they’ve been a bit of a mixed bag with regards to results. But with anyone in the division, they have players, which we’ve identified, that can cause us problems.
“They’ll have areas of weaknesses as well, so it’s up to us to make sure we stop them one way and then implement ourselves the other way. Every game is winnable at the level, but ultimately it will just be the most consistent team that wins the league.
“Doncaster will be coming here thinking they’ll be able to beat us and we’re at home, coming off the back of a good win ourselves, and we fancy ourselves to win. It has the makings of a good game and hopefully we’ll come out on top.”
This week has been Bentley’s first without a midweek fixture, having taken charge of one league fixture, two Papa John’s Trophy ties and a Central League Cup fixture across his first month in charge.
He says a full week on the training pitch has been beneficial, in particular to see players starting to come back from injury.
“We’re a new management team, we’ve changed shape, it’s important that we chip away at more things. It’s given the lads who have been playing flat out a little bit of a break.
“It’s given us another opportunity to get players who are nearly back that bit of pitch time with the full squad, not just doing their individual bits.
“This week overall has been a big week for us because we have had a lot of injuries since I’ve been at the club. We inherited quite a few and have had one or two bits of pieces since I’ve been here.
“Ethan Ebanks-Landell has been non-contact since his injury but he’s up to speed now, he’s flat out with the rest of the group. He’ll hopefully go strength to strength now. It’s good to have him back, he’s the captain and an experienced lad.
“We’ve had Ben Nelson and Cieran Slicker back from international duty although they’re struggling with a few little bits, so we’ll monitor them.
“It’s good, in regard to seeing more of the players on the pitch. Max Taylor is on the pitch, Cameron John is on the pitch, Luke Charman is doing some individual work as well.
“All of a sudden you look around, there’s different groups going on and people are striving to get back to full fitness. We’ve had one or two niggles from the game last Saturday which we’ve had to monitor and manage through the week.
“Aidy White had an ankle issue from the Liverpool game, but there’s nothing long or even medium-term, it’s just a week or two here or there, so it’s looking okay at the minute and long may that continue.”