The future looks bright for Rochdale AFC according to Keith Hill, with the manager heaping praise on his team despite their narrow loss to League One leaders Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
Aaron Wilbraham’s first-half header sealed the victory for Bristol, with Steve Cotterill’s men moving eight points clear at the top of the division, but the Dale boss took pride in the way his young charges performed.
Rochdale were expansive in their play and proved a stern test for the visiting Robins, although the defeat sees them slip down to 15th in the table.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, Hill said: “We’re in really, really good shape for the future. League One is very difficult when we’re coming to places like this.
“They’re an excellent side, there’s no question about that, but we came to play today.
“We didn’t come with any fear, we tried to score, and we took one or two risks with our defensive strategy. We gave them a lot of space but I thought we defended excellently.
“Today I’m really proud of the way we played. Disappointed with the result but I thought we should have got something from the game. I don’t think Steve Cotterill will argue too much about that.”
Rochdale forward Peter Vincenti struck the bar with a free-kick early on, before Wilbraham’s header after 14 minutes beat new loanee Jamie Jones in the Dale goal.
Vincenti, Jamie Allen and Ian Henderson all went close in search of an equaliser, but were unable to provide the decisive touch and prevent Rochdale from suffering their second defeat on the bounce.
Previously, fellow promotion chasers Sheffield United had emerged 2-1 winners when they were the visitors to Spotland Stadium on Tuesday night.
Goals from Marc McNulty and John Brayford established a lead for the Blades which Hill’s men were unable to claw back, despite Jack O’Connell’s header with 15 minutes remaining.
Speaking on Saturday after the Bristol game, the Rochdale boss said: “We were unfortunate Tuesday [against Sheffield United], and very, very unfortunate today.
“Some of the senior players need a rest, but unfortunately we can’t give them a rest.
“We’ve got 15 games to play – big games, and we’re looking forward to them. I am really, really pleased with the way we played today and performed.”
Hill’s side are now seven points outside the play-off places, but remain six clear of the relegation zone.
They play Crew Alexandra at Spotland on Tuesday night before struggling Colchester United are the visitors the following Sunday, with Dale eyeing a solid points haul in order to maintain the momentum of their season.
Main image courtesy of Official Rochdale AFC via YouTube, with thanks.
