Hill pleased with good run of form

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Keith Hill

Rochdale manager Keith Hill has been reflecting on last weekend’s win over Newport County, as well as looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to face Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.

“Saturday’s performance was complete,” Hill said. “The difference between Saturday against Newport and Wycombe was our discipline with respect to managing the game and managing it in the way that I expect us to.

“We really didn’t give any opportunities to the opposition. The penalty was a guess which could have changed the momentum and it would have been harsh and unfair. Having said that though, we looked more than capable of scoring more goals and there’s a little bit of disrespect in recognition of what actually happened on Saturday because there’s the thought that Newport aren’t a good side, but they probably are [a good side] and what we actually achieved against Newport was borne out of hard work and continual pressure with and without the ball. Newport are a very good side, but we were just very hot.

“This season’s campaign is very good, but I can’t read the future. I’m really, really pleased with the development of certain individuals, the team strategy and everyone seems to be buying into it. Even in the bounce games we’re getting a reflection of what we’re seeing in the first team games.

“But it’s a very competitive league and can throw up a lot of surprises. I don’t think there’s an awful lot between any team in the division and I think every team is competitive, well organised and the small detail will make the difference.

“We’re in a really good run of form but we can’t predict the future. We can only predict the way that we want to play, the development of the team and the infrastructure of Football Club that has been taking place since last January.”

Rochdale face Cheltenham Town this Saturday and whilst home form has been better for Dale in terms of overall results, Hill remains pleased with what he has seen on show.

“I think Portsmouth was one game in isolation and that was down to me because I probably picked the wrong side, but prior to that I can’t argue with our performances and we won’t be the first team to go to Portsmouth and lose. So other than that I’m pleased with performances and I know that results will fall in our favour. I’m not worried with an aspect of what we’re doing away from home – the players will ultimately get it right.”