Spot-on Henderson helps Dale snatch win

MANAGER Keith Hill hailed ‘probably the most honest performance that we have had for a long time’ as Ian Henderson’s two late penalties earned Rochdale a win at Valley Parade, and condemned Bradford to their 11th defeat of the season.

The result left some home supporters calling for the resignation of chairman Edin Rahic.

Rochdale’s win ended a run of five matches without a victory, and Hill said: “I believe the team performance deserved three points. You want your team to represent the values that you train to, that you try to teach and I think that is what we did. Our energy was superb, along with our commitment in front of goal.”

Bradford came nearest to scoring in an even first half when, first, Anthony O’Connor had a shot blocked, and then George Miller had a follow-up effort cleared off the line by Henderson in the 41st minute.

Richard O’Donnell produced an equally good save in the 64th minute to turn over a close-range header from Henderson.

Brendan Moore also denied Miller in the 79th minute with a superb save to turn his 20-yard shot on to the roof of the net.

Henderson scored the first of his two spot-kicks in the 83rd minute after Bradford’s best spell of the game, when skipper O’Connor brought him down in the box after Lewis O’Brien gave the ball away on the edge of the box.

Shortly before the second penalty, home striker Miller had missed a great chance to equalise in the 88th minute when Jack Payne put him through on goal, keeper Moore coming quickly off his line to block the shot.

Hederson then scored his second in stoppage time after Stephen Dooley was brought down by keeper O’Donnell after intercepting O’Brien’s back pass. Hill criticised the ‘negative attitude’ in the stadium which, he believed helped the visitors, but City boss David Hopkin said: “The fans have every right to be frustrated. They want us to win football matches, but every mistake we make we get punished for.

“We are not getting torn apart, but if you keep making mistakes and give teams opportunities it becomes difficult.

“I don’t think there was much in the game, but two mistakes (for the penalties) have cost us.”