Finishing touch eludes dominant Dale

ROCHDALE boss Jim Mcnulty insisted he couldn’t ask for anymore from his players after Saturday’s stalemate against York City.

An early chance for the Minstermen aside, Dale dominated the majority of the game but couldn’t find the goal their play deserved.

The head coach felt his side were unfortunate not to take the three points.

“I thought we were very dominant in the game,” said Mcnulty.

“We controlled both halves totally and played almost the whole game in York’s half.

“Reflecting on it, York maybe thought it was going to be a difficult challenge to win it off us in our own half and that it would be dangerous for them to do so, leaving space in behind.

“They gave up the ball in that regard and we played almost the whole game in their half. When a team plays a real low block like that, you need your fans on side, because there has to be an understanding that their whole team is behind the ball.

“In games like that, it’s very important not to get countered on and sucker punched. I thought we were unfortunate with the moments that we created in the first-half, where we could have scored.

“The game really opened up second-half and we had loads of chances – 15 shots. We were the much better team, controlled the game and created chances. We were just unfortunate that none of them went in.

“The fight in the performance, I can’t ask for anymore, especially with the situation they’re in.”

Dale, carrying a number of injuries to key players, suffered another blow with Adam Clayton limping off during the first half.

It leaves Mcnulty with the prospect of just 13 fit players for Saturday’s trip to Halifax Town.