Hill says Dale confidence not affected

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Keith Hill

Manager Keith Hill says last weekend’s frustrating defeat at Burton Albion hasn’t affected the confidence of the squad.

Dale suffered a 1-0 defeat after an own goal separated the two sides at the Pirelli in a game where Captain Peter Cavanagh was dismissed after just seven minutes.

Hill says training this week has been positive, and while it is a blow to lose Cavanagh for three matches after his appeal was turned down, it is an opportunity for someone else.

He told Dale Player: “It represents an opportunity for any one of three, maybe four, players and they’ve been chomping at the bit this week. They’ve been training hard and it hasn’t affected us confidence wise.

"It’s just a shame that what could have been a very good football match turned into an almost predictable result because of one bad decision."

Chesterfield are the visitors to Spotland this Saturday and make the trip on the back of two consecutive league victories. The Spireites are the title favourites and Hill is expecting a keenly contested fixture.

“It’s going to be a difficult game, but it’s a great game for us and we’re looking forward to it," said Hill. "There’s plenty of energy, it's two good footballing sides, they’ve had a great start to the season and they’re dealing with the pressures of being everyone’s favourites."

He added: "Your home form is really important. You can’t put pressure on away games if you’re not being successful at home.

"I think we’ve played some exceptional football over the first three games, but we didn’t legislate for, or deal with having a man sent off against Burton Albion because of how the game went.

"But I’m really pleased, and again it’s about performances, increasing our potential to be successful, but being mindful that it’s a results based business. Results will definitely go in our favour if we continue to play with energy, the endeavour and the quality of players that we've got.”