Striker Joe Bunney believes the versatility and strength in the Rochdale squad could prove invaluable as the League Two promotion race begins to hot up.
Bunney came off the bench to great effect in Dale’s 2-1 over Accrington Stanley at the weekend, setting up the 92nd minute winner that was eventually bundled over the line by Matt Lund.
The 20-year-old will be hoping to make a similar impact against lowly Northampton Town tonight, knowing that a win at Sixfields Stadium will send Dale top of League Two.
“Everybody’s buying into one thing and that’s promotion,” Bunney told MM.
“There’s massive character in the squad. Everyone’s pulling together and whether someone gets sent off or someone gets injured we can bring someone in.
“Anyone can just come in at any given time and it’s really good to be in this squad that’s fighting for promotion.”
Dale’s opponents Northampton may be second from bottom in League Two, but they are unbeaten in six matches and Bunney is taking nothing for granted.
“Northampton are struggling but they are now on a bit of a run,” he said. “Every game is going to be tough and we’ll see where we are come May.”
Scott Hogan may have been grabbing the headlines for Dale prior to his injury earlier this month, but it was defender Jack O’Connell who recently received the fans player of the month award for February.
Bunney has nothing but respect for O’Connell and believes the award is an accolade the defender could have won several times over.
“Jack’s superb and I think he brings professionalism to the squad,” he added. “He’s the ultimate professional, he stays behind every day (and) he does extra work.
“He’s like me, he’s still young and it doesn’t surprise me he has been voted fans player of the month because he could have been for the last couple of months.”
After completing the league double over Accrington on Saturday, Dale will be hoping to repeat the trick against Northampton tonight although they were given a scare by the Cobblers back in October.
Keith Hill’s side trailed 2-1 with two minutes to go before a Michael Rose free-kick and a George Donnelly strike turned the game on its head to send Dale top.
Image/video courtesy of OfficialRochdaleAFC/officiallyntfc both via YouTube, with thanks.
