LATICS’ MIKE SPOILS DALE COUNTDOWN TO WEMBLEY

ROCHDALE manager Keith Hill was left devastated after “novice defending” allowed Wigan to triumph in the battle of the FA Cup heroes at the DW Stadium.

Warming up for Wednesday’s fifth-round replay against Tottenham at Wembley, Rochdale pushed the League One high-flyers – who beat Manchester City to reach the quarter finals– all the way.

But Michael Jacobs’ goal on 12 minutes proved to be the difference, and ensured that Rochdale remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

“I’m devastated really, because the goal that’s decided the game was a terrible goal to concede,” said Hill.

“At the other end, every opportunity we’ve had, we’ve earned. I just don’t feel they earned the opportunity that’s won them the game.

“It was novice defending at best, and I’m disappointed.”

Rochdale had chances to hit back after going behind to Jacobs’ goal, with Ian Henderson, in particular, guilty of missing a couple of very good openings.

After dodging a bullet when Max Power’s second-half free-kick beat goalkeeper Josh Lillis but came back off the bar, Rochdale remained a threat right until the very end, but couldn’t force a leveller.

Hill (below) said it was a tactical decision to withdraw Jim McNulty just before the interval – to save him from potentially missing the biggest game of his life.

“Jim McNulty got booked early on, and he deserves his opportunity to play at Wembley on Wednesday,” added Hill.

Wigan assistant boss Leam Richardson admitted his side had been below their best after their heroics against City.

“Certainly after Monday, and the massive high, we set up to not get beat and just win the game,” said Richardson.

“We expected a very tough game from Rochdale, and they certainly gave us one. “They’re scrapping for their lives — young lads playing with no fear — but credit to our lads for grinding it out.

“These are big wins, big points, at this time of year.”