Rochdale right-back Joe Rafferty praised his defensive compatriots after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Fleetwood Town secured his side’s fourth straight clean sheet.
Dale are two points clear at the top of League Two and have now gone over six hours without conceding a goal.
Like the Black Knight in Monty Python, the Rochdale back four have been miserly during this run and ever-present Rafferty believes hard work in training, as well as the performances of goalkeeper Josh Lillis, have been the key to Dale’s defensive solidity.
“It’s fantastic to not concede in any goals in that amount of time,” Rafferty told MM. “We work hard in training on our defending as a back four and obviously with Josh (Lillis) in goal and with Peter Cavanagh who sits in front of us in midfield.
“We’ve had to use Josh at times to make some great saves, Josh has been in great form this season so it’s down to him and the defenders.”
A product of Liverpool’s youth academy, Rafferty is in his second year as a full professional at Rochdale.
Although competition for places at Spotland is fierce as Keith Hill’s side push for promotion, Rafferty appears to have nailed down the right-back spot, starting Dale’s last 12 matches.
In total the 20-year-old has featured in 31 of Dale’s 47 games so far this campaign and is delighted with his current involvement in the side.
“It’s great to get a run of games,” he added. “There’s no better feeling than playing matches and winning matches.
“Obviously when you are out of the team your confidence is down and you can’t get in the side, but the main thing is that the team keeps winning and everyone (at Rochdale) is enjoying their football at the moment.”
Saturday’s draw preserved Dale’s nine point cushion over fourth-placed Fleetwood as the two sides played out an evenly-matched encounter involving few clear cut chances.
Image courtesy of OfficialRochdaleAFC via YouTube, with thanks.
