The fewer distractions in Rochdale’s quest to remain a League One club this season the better, says manager Keith Hill after the promoted side were given a lesson by Preston North End in the Capital One Cup.
Two goals either side of half time were enough for Preston to see off fellow League One outfit Rochdale at Spotland for a comfortable 2-0 win in the first round of the competition.
Dale were forced to play out the last 10 minutes with 10 men as influential skipper Oliver Lancashire limped off after Keith Hill had used all his substitutes, focusing the manager’s mind to tougher days ahead.
“As much as I respect the Capital One Cup, the League is the priority,” said Hill.
“Losing that type of game in the manner we have done, in the same way we lost on Saturday. We can’t make these mistakes and compete at this standard.”
Hill labelled Preston as “geared for success” and counterpart Simon Grayson singled out their opening goal scorer Andy Little for praise.
“That’s what Andy does, he has a lot of desire and energy and he has a goal in him and it was pure desire that got him the goal tonight.
“It was great to see it go in.”
“All round it was a good professional performance and it was nice to get through,” added Grayson.
Main image courtesy of OfficialRochdaleAFC via YouTube, with thanks.
