Matthew Lund believes Rochdale will respond positively to Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat to Scunthorpe United, when they face York City at Bootham Crescent on Saturday.
The shock result led to Dale slipping to fourth in League Two and losing first-choice centre-halves Olly Lancashire and Jack O’Connell through suspensions after both were sent off.
But midfielder Lund is adamant his side can cope in their absence.
“We’ve got lads who can come in for those who are suspended so we’ll be fine,” Lund told MM.
“The game on Tuesday we’ve really got to write off quickly.
“The lads will get over it quickly (because) I know they’re a strong bunch.”
Despite eventually prevailing 4-0 Scunthorpe, prior to the red cards defended deep and tried to frustrate Dale, something that more and more teams have endeavoured to do in recent weeks.
Lund acknowledged this saying he believed many teams now come to Spotland to try and get a draw.
When asked if he thought this was because teams fear his side Lund replied: “I hope so, I think we’ve proved to people that we’re a good passing side and I think that should worry teams in this division especially because there’s not many teams who try and play football.”
“We’re a team who deserves to be respected,” Lund said.
In spite of the negative approach some opponents have adopted in recent weeks Lund does not expect such a game plan from York on Saturday.
The lowly home side are 21st in League Two and have won just once in 11 outings but Lund is still expecting a tough game.
“I don’t really look at the results in our league and I don’t really look at where our opponents are in the league,” he said.
“York are a side who need the points and they’re going to come at us.”
A summer signing from Stoke on a free transfer, having previously had loan spells at Bristol Rovers, Oldham Athletic, Southend United and Hereford United, Lund says he is thoroughly enjoying his time at Rochdale.
“It’s brilliant to be play in a team that wants to pass the ball,” Lund added.
“This is the reason why I came here, I knew the manager (Keith Hill) was trying to play football and I think it’s benefitted me from the start of the season.
“He’s been brilliant with lads trying to get them to play football and that’s the way it should be I don’t like seeing the ball go over my head every two minutes and I like the way we’re playing.”
Image courtesy of Official Rochdale AFC via YouTube, with thanks.
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