Jimmy Keohane says must regroup ahead of Tuesday’s game against Gateshead.
Dale were beaten 4-3 at home to Oldham Athletic on Saturday, almost coming back from two goals down twice.
“It was a mad game,” said Keohane.
“We got ourselves back in the game but after levelling it up [at 2-2], them scoring was a bit of sucker punch.
“When we got ourselves back in the game once, there was a belief that we could do it again.
“It was difficult, but in fairness, we pushed them all the way. We just can’t concede the goals in the manner that we’re doing at the moment.
“We had a lot of chances; we could have scored five or six. It shows we have that ability to show quality in the final third to create those chances. We need to shore things up at the back and we will be heading in the right direction.”
The full-back scored twice in the game, as well as assisting Dale’s first, and he had a chance for a dramatic equaliser well saved late on.
“I feel like it was just one of those days when it kept falling to me.
“I could have had a hat-trick, I had another few opportunities to score again.
“I like getting in those positions and hopefully it can continue that way.”
