Pitch problems nothing new for players

THE deteriorating state of the Crown Oil Arena playing surface is nothing new for Dale – and Brian Barry-Murphy insisted his side would adapt to it rather than use it as an excuse.

The pitch traditionally struggles at this time of year with the weather and poor drainage posing annual problems for the groundstaff.

“Shrewsbury was a tough game for the lads, the pitch was very heavy and the lads put in a huge amount of effort,” said BBM. “We have a free week ahead of the Doncaster game and the win gives us great belief going into that game.

“In terms of the pitch, we had similar conditions last season and when we were losing games it was an issue, but when we were winnng it was just a challenge and we never mentioned it. Last season we produced some great performances towards the end of the campaign so we don’t look to the surface as an excuse, we are used to it and we adapt to it.”

On Ryan McLaughlin’s return to action, BBM said: “Ryan McLaughlin has done amazing work behind the scenes to put himself back on the pitch two or three times already this season, so he deserves every accolade that he gets, and he’ll just be hoping to build up his fitness and get more moments on the field as the season progresses and, if his attitude towards rehabilitation is anything to go by, I’m sure he will.”

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was named man of the match and BBM added: “Robert made a couple of exceptional saves. He made a seamless transition back into the fray. He doesn’t look like a loan player, he looks like a players who has been with us and is very much entwined in the whole squad ethos and it was brilliant to see him get rewarded with a clean sheet.”