Rochdale assistant manager Chris Beech says his side must impose their game on Fleetwood on Tuesday night to end their four-match winless run.
The game at Spotland comes after Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Bradford when Joe Bunney twice put Dale ahead at Valley Parade, only for Rory McArdle and Steven Davies to level for the Bantams.
Beech, who as a child watched his father play for Fleetwood, knows that Rochdale need to be at their best to get a positive result.
“We’re very good at forcing our game on the opponent when we’re at full tilt,” Beech said.
“We’re not a team that plays average and wins, we have to be very good to get the results we want.
“We’re playing a good opponent tomorrow evening who are fighting for their lives.
“They’ve had another influx of players because they’re not getting what they want and they had a great result against Scunthorpe on Saturday.
“We’re wary of their strengths and I know them very well but we’ve got to make sure we put our game together because we’re capable of beating anybody.”
Rochdale boss Keith Hill had nothing but praise for his team’s display on Saturday and wants more of the same.
“I thought the performance was good. It was more like the way we play,” Hill said.
“It gives me a lot of belief looking at the last 15 games. We were excellent today. We scored two really good goals and for the majority of the game we defended exceptionally well with bravery.
“We tried to pass and we created opportunities, so from the performance perspective I’m really pleased, but I’m disappointed with the result.”
The Rochdale gaffer singled out two-goal hero Joe Bunney for particular praise from Saturday’s display.
“I thought Joe [Bunney] was excellent today. He had another good opportunity which he made himself,” Hill continued.
“And I thought the team was [excellent] – that’s what gives me encouragement. Sometimes you can be left banging your head against a brick wall.
“You look at the players that you’ve got and you wonder why they’re not performing, but today I thought the players were excellent.
“I thought we looked quite strong as a side as well and I don’t think anyone would have argued if we had got three points.”
Image courtesy of Official Rochdale AFC via YouTube, with thanks.
