Dale pay penalty for missed chances
THERE was nothing to separate Rochdale and Oldham Athletic as they played out a goalless draw at the Crown Oil Arena.
Rochdale 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 the chances, they couldn’t find a winner, but Rochdale boss Keith Hill was still reasonably happy with his side’s efforts.
“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,” he said.
“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. 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.”
Rochdale’s penalty came on 33 minutes when Anthony Gerrard fouled Joe Thompson in the box, but Placide successfully saved the penalty.
Oldham boss Richie Wellens admitted that Rochdale were the better team in the game, 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 comes 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 Johnny Placide he’s pulled off a great save.
“It’s tight at the bottom. I would have loved to come Rochdale boss Keith Hill here and get three points, but my attackingminded players didn’t turn up, which isn’t like them.” The point leaves Rochdale in 21st position in the League One table, one point from safety, while Oldham are one place above them.