Out to bounce back at Field Mill
JAMIE Allen and the rest of the Rochdale squad were hoping to bounce back from Saturday’s opening day defeat with victory in the Carabao Cup last night.
Dale were due to take on Mansfield Town at Field Mill in the first round of the competition last night where Allen was hoping to strike a winning note.
“I thought we did well (against Portsmouth) but the result is all that matters and we’ve lost the game,” Allen told the club’s official website.
“It’s hard going down to ten men, especially in the first game of the season. There was some courage in there, but again, we’ve lost the game, which is disappointing.
“We wanted to start the season on a high by playing well and getting three points. It’s obviously not happened for us but we’ll be looking to bounce back on Tuesday.”
Allen was on the end of a dangerously high challenge from Jamal Lowe, who was shown the red card by referee Lee Probert nine minutes from time.
“It was a terrible tackle,” said Allen.
“I haven’t seen it back yet, but I remember winning the ball and then as soon as I’ve touched it, I’ve felt it.
“Luckily it’s just left me with superficial marks and cuts on my leg – it could have been far worse.”
Boss Keith Hill agreed that it was correct decision by the referee.
“It was a bad challenge,” he said.
“I think it was purely accidental – it’s one of those where the ball is coming over you and you’re turning to try and make contact with the ball – but it was a horrendous challenge and he deservedly got sent off.
“It was testament to Jamie that he carried on. He should be ok – he’s very tender at this moment in time.”