Misfiring Dons still pose threat
KEITH Hill insists his improving Rochdale side will take nothing for granted today when they take on a Wimbledon side struggling for goals.
Though only two points separate the sides in the League One table, Dale are a team with momentum having won back to back home games.
On Tuesday they became the first side to leave Bloomfield Road unbeaten in the last eight fixtures there having picked up a creditable goalless draw, making it three consecutive clean sheets.
Meanwhile, the Dons have lost four of their last six matches, during which time they have scored only two goals. However, Hill has seen first hand “We are getting key a group of players that I Dale defender Jim that the goals tally tells players back – Calvin have had to pick instead of McNulty echoed the manager’s only half the story. Andrew, Callum Camps – saying ‘well you’re not warning against
“I know Wimbledon are and we are getting a little performing so you don’t taking the Dons for struggling to score, but if bit of stability now. play.’” granted. you look at the stats they “For me as a manager, And on the back of the “Wimbledon is never are actually creating a lot sometimes you pick a performance at Bloomfield easy and they are under of opportunities. side and think ‘well, it all Road, Hill said he pressure at the minute,”
“We saw them against has to go right today for was looking forward to the he said. “They have not MK Dons at home and I us to get something from weekend’s trip to Wimbledon. been playing very well thought they were excellent, the game.’ and will feel they are a bar scoring goals,” he “When I am allowed to “We’ve misfired away better side than the league said. select players, then I think from home and have had table suggests.
“It is a key component you can see how we play half a performance and “They are where they of winning matches but as will turn into results. shot ourselves in the foot are and there will be a a manager you look at the “We had a positive because of stupid mistakes, pressure on them in their stats, you look at the way result at home at the but the Blackpool changing room, just like you are playing and if weekend, and against game represented the way the gaffer gave us a rocket you’re happy with that “You always have an Bury in the Checkatrade we do things a lot better.,” a few weeks ago at MK you just hope that those intention as a manager to Trophy before that, so he said. Dons, they will be under chances will get converted. build on a performance that’s three clean sheets “I’m looking forward to scrutiny from their manager I hope it continues like that but sometimes on the bounce now so the trip to AFC Wimbledon, and from players like that they don’t convert you have a dilemma as a I’m pleased looking forward. especially after the Raul Robinson from those chances!” manager when you are type of performance, within their own dressing
Hill was pleased with facing opponents and you “It has been difficult, I commitment and courage room. He’s been there, his players’ display in haven’t got key players to must admit, because I we put in on Tuesday seen it, done it. They will Tuesday’s tightly contested select. have been selecting from night.” be looking to respond.”
Published by MEN Media, Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, OL9 8EF. Printed by Mirror Colour Printers (Oldham) Ltd, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 8EB draw against the Seasiders and is hoping it’s a display his side can build on.
“In terms of an away performance it was an upward curve for us,” he said.
‘Blackpool represented the way we do things a lot better’