Rochdale’s resounding 3-0 win over Newport County on Saturday was no coincidence, according to assistant manager Chris Beech.
Peter Vincenti, Graham Cummins and Bastien Hery all scored their first goals for the club as Dale moved to fifth in League Two and maintained their unbeaten record at Spotland this season.
Dale imposed their passing style on the visitors from the outset enjoying 62% of possession, but such dominance did not come as a shock to Beech.
“It doesn’t happen by accident, this started in pre-season, we want the boys to express themselves and take the ball, pass the ball and move,” Beech told The Dale Player.
“It’s a modern trait at the top end of the footballing chain, watch any Champions League game and you see it in abundance and we want to attack League Two doing the same things.”
Beech was impressed with the whole team’s desire to emulate Europe’s finest even describing right-back Joe Rafferty’s marauding runs forward as ‘continental’.
Dale’s invention and verve in possession tormented the away side throughout, whose miserable afternoon was compounded when home goalkeeper Josh Lillis saved a penalty from Adam Chapman.
Even visiting manager Justin Edinburgh acknowledged Rochdale’s superiority.
“I think they were probably the best side we’ve come up against”, he told BBC Radio Wales.
“We found it hard to deal with them. [They] passed the ball very well and caused us problems.”
The 3-0 success gave Keith Hill’s men their second win in five days following the 1-0 victory at Port Vale in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Prior to kick-off on Saturday the Northern Area Quarter Final draw of the competition was made, with Dale being handed a trip to League Two leaders Chesterfield.
Peter Vincenti, whose 30-yard piledriver in the fifth minute set Dale on their way, believes his side have a squad capable of balancing a cup run with league success.
“There are quality players on the bench at the minute and we’ve got other young players who can’t even make the bench (like) Scott Tanser and Darcy O’Connor,” said Vincenti.
“The manager’s got the right balance of experience and youth. It’s still early in the season but it’s exciting looking forward.”
Image courtesy of Mansfield Town via YouTube, with thanks.
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