Dempsey challenge sidelines Adshead

THE only downside to Rochdale’s 2-0 Checkatrade Trophy win at Fleetwood on Tuesday was the injury sustained by Dan Adshead, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The midfielder was scythed down from behind by Kyle Dempsey late in the first half, a challenge which left boss Keith Hill less than impressed.

“It’s a cynical challenge and not a great one from a fellow professional. Dan has done a lovely turn and the player has a left a bit on him,” he said.

“The consequences are that Dan is probably going to be out for a fair length of time, which is sad to see.

“There was some good football played in the first half when Dan Adshead was on the pitch. Some of his passing was superb and his turn to get away from the player who fouled him was superb.

“I don’t like to see a player like Dan targeted – it was a terrible challenge really and he is properly injured, not soft injured – that’s a few other players we’ve got in the squad. Dan is genuinely injured.

“I just hope it’s not a serious one because he is in good form, he’s fit and he was a player I had in mind for Saturday but now he’s not going to be available.

“He’s right on point with what we’re doing at the moment in time with the Youth Team and these games that we’ve got.

“The challenge was there for him to go and make sure he got a chance to play on Saturday and I think he was giving himself that chance, so it’s a shame that’s he had to come off.”