Backline need to up their goal tally
JIMMY McNulty says it was about time Rochdale defenders chipped in with goals after he scored the opener in the 3-0 win at Walsall.
McNulty opened his account for the club in his 125th appearance, his first goal in the EFL since January 2012 under Keith Hill at Barnsley.
The 33-year-old was delighted with the effort, a looped header from a corner, but admitted his fellow defenders need to start contributing.
“I totally agree with the manager that we don’t get enough goals as a defence,” said McNulty, the only defender to have netted this term along with Joe Rafferty.
“I haven’t been forward for many corners this season because there are lads who have better records than me from set-pieces.
“I’ve understood why I’ve been back, but I’ve been trotting up for a few corners recently.”
McNulty was hugely impressed by Alex Dobre’s goal.
“I’m not too sure that you’re going to see too many better goals this year. I’d imagine that will be up there with EFL goals of the season,” he said.
“It was pretty special. He basically played like a play maker, bouncing it around off three or four of our players and then he decided to pirouette like Maradona, switched onto his left foot, which took him past a couple of players, and then he smashed it in emphatically.
“I score probably the best header I’m ever going to score and then it goes and gets shown up by one of the EFL goals of the season!”
In the last month, McNulty has been given an extended run in the team alongside Harrison McGahey and Ryan Delaney in a three-man backline.
“I’ve enjoyed the three immensely,” said McNulty.
“I think it’s worked well. The second half at Bristol Rovers was the only time I’ve been disappointed with the three of us. At times there, we were dragged into positions and they were in charge of us.
“The switch to the three has been good for us, we’ve been comfortable in every game and the team’s looked better for it.”