Defensive slips for opponents
GILLS boss Steve Evans and Dale assistant coach Lee Riley were both disappointed with the goals their side conceded in the 2-2 draw at the Crown Oil Aena on Saturday.
“We were not at our best but we still dominated the first half for long spells,” said Evans.
“I felt it was two points dropped. We’ve given away a suicidal penalty – if it was a penalty in the first place, I’m not so sure there was contact or whether it was outside the area. But it was poor defensively from us on the right side.
“We got back in the game and got ahead but then defensively again we were poor on the right side, we didn’t win the header and didn’t match their runner. After that the game was end to end but we missed an absolute sitter to win it.
“I said before the game if we could take six out of six points from the games against Rochdale and Shrewsbury, that would be outstanding – four points would keep us in the mix. If we beat Shrewsbury in midweek it means we will break off for a week three or four points off the playoffs, which is remarkable.”
Rochdale assistant coach Riley said: “I was proud of the lads and the way they kept trying to play we want them to even when we were 2-1 down. I was really pleased they were able to fight their way back into the game.
“Rhys NorringtonDavies got a really severe facial injury a few weeks ago going in for a challenge similar to the one which earned us the penalty. The courage he showed to go into the same kind of challenge was amazing and shows exactly how he plays the game.
“When you play Gillingham you know you are going to face lots of deliveries into the area from setpieces, that is something we had worked on so it was disappointing to concede two goals that way.”