Jimmy McNulty felt it was a very tight game at Gateshead on Good Friday that Dale fell the wrong side of a result in.
Dajaune Brown’s first-half goal proved to be the difference, as the playoff contenders inflicted a first defeat in five on Dale.
“I thought it was a very close game,” said the Head Coach.
“I heard Rob [Elliot, Gateshead Manager] saying in the week that it’s two of the best football teams in the league playing against each other. It very much was that. It was a cagey, tactical, possession-based affair.
“Truthfully, I don’t think either team threatened the other team’s goal that much.
“The only moment that we got done by was a one of direct play straight over the top. I thought we were able to cope in that moment and we didn’t. It was a secondary attack of direct play that was the difference in what was a very tight game.
“I thought we were slow in the first half in terms of our performance. I don’t think we started at our best and didn’t play with the verve that we’ve had recently.
“I think that definitely improved in the second half, which was a reaction to what was expressed in the changing room at half-time.
“We began to become the team that pushed the game. Our line management got a lot better, we dealt with the direct stuff that Gateshead do play when you do get pressure on them.
“We grew into the game and all it needed was some personality, confidence, courage and ability with the ball, I think we showed more of that in the second half, whereas first half we didn’t. Ultimately over the 95 minutes, it was very tight.
“There wasn’t a lot exchanged in terms of punch power on the other team’s goal. But I’m not really surprised by that given both teams want the ball and the principles that both teams play to.”
Watch the full interview with McNulty on our official YouTube channel below.
