Hill happy with Dale form

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Keith Hill

Rochdale are in action this Saturday as they host Plymouth Argyle at Spotland.

Having kept four clean sheets in their last five outings, manager Keith Hill said: “It’s important – clean sheets are king.

"I feel as though we’re progressing and we’re getting better and better.

"It’s getting close to me being back at the club 12 months and for me, my 12 months is really about games played. We’ve got three games to play before you get to my one year anniversary and when I came back to the club 28 games had been played.

"I’m looking at getting to 28 games with as many points as we possibly can and to see where we are in comparison, to not only last season, but to previous season’s success.

“But I’m pleased with the current form, I’m pleased with the commitment and it’s now the time of the season that you really have to drive forward.”

Plymouth Manager John Sheridan has strengthened his squad ahead of the fixture, with the signing of Matt Parsons from Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee.

Hill is expecting another difficult encounter against a tough Plymouth side, he said: "They’re tough opposition, with a very good manager, who is starting to impress his identity on his team. It has taken him a while; I think he took over round about this time last year, but he’s getting there, he knows what he wants, he knows how he wants to play the game, he’s got a very good team and they’re progressively getting better.

"They’re a big, big football club playing in League Two and I know John is very determined, and I know he’ll get his team set up right to play against us.”

Dale head into the encounter following last weekend’s 3-0 win over Hartlepool United.

The visitors played midweek, and exited the FA Cup following a 3-2 home defeat to Port Vale in their third round replay. In the league, the Pilgrims are unbeaten in their last five outings.

The match has been designated as Ladies Day, and women can watch the game from the Pearl Street Stand for just £10 (entrance via turnstile 22 only).