Keith Hill encouraged by Rochdale’s draw with Oldham - 7M sport

Keith Hill encouraged by Rochdale’s draw with Oldham



Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 by PA

Keith Hill encouraged by Rochdale’s draw with Oldham

Keith Hill took heart from his side’s courage as Rochdale were held to a goaless draw at home by League One relegation rivals Oldham.

Dale dominated the game, having a first half penalty saved by Latics goalkeeper Johny Placide, while they also had a goal disallowed in the second half.

Despite having the far better chances, they could not find a winner, but Rochdale boss Hill was still reasonably happy with his side’s efforts.

He said: “I’m pleased with the courage, determination, and the energy of the performance.

“The players aren’t stupid, they know before the game that if Oldham had beat us it would have distanced the gap.

“It’s difficult for the players to play so many games due to the stress levels and the physical pressure it puts them under. I’m really pleased with the courage the players are showing.

“I thought it was a courageous performance, we knew the ramifications of losing the game and I don’t think we looked like losing it.

“There’s pressure you put on yourself to be successful, but what is that pressure? We’ve got to admit we might potentially get relegated.

“I admitted that to the chairman in October and I’ve admitted it to the players. We’ve got a plan to give ourselves a chance and we’ve not deviated from that plan.

“The silent, slow burners, whatever you want to call us, the steam train, the tortoise. It’s another season next season, regardless of what league we’re in.”

Rochdale’s penalty came after 33 minutes when Anthony Gerrard fouled Joe Thompson in the box, but Placide successfully saved Joe Rafferty’s spot kick – which had been delayed by a pitch invader who tried to approach referee Peter Bankes.

Calvin Andrew had the ball in the net after the break but he was pulled up for a foul.

Oldham boss Richie Wellens admitted Rochdale were the better team, and thought that his side were lacking in attack.

“We did well to get a point. We dug in and hung in there. At times Rochdale put us on the back foot due to our lack of quality,” he said.

“I wish at times we showed more patience, as with patience brings more positive play. The lack of quality in the final third was the biggest issue for me. We need players showing more belief by getting on the ball and passing it.

“For me it looked like a penalty for them, and that could have been the difference, but to be fair to Johny Placide he’s pulled off a great save. He’s a goalkeeper that if you give him confidence he can grow from that.

“It’s tight at the bottom. I would have loved to come here and get three points, but my attacking minded players didn’t turn up which isn’t like them.”

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