Beech bemoans wily Henderson’s opener
FORMER Rochdale player and coach Chris Beech felt his AFC Fylde side were unlucky not to earn at least a share of the spoils on his return to the Crown Oil Arena on Boxing Day.
Beech’s side were impressive in spells but came up against an inspired Louie Moulden performance and were unable to turn their second half dominance into goals.
“Football is a very harsh industry and what you’ve got to do is not lose belief in what you’re doing because in performance you can see it’s very good - but who cares? It’s about winning,” said Beech.
“So the boys have been doing really good things in good moments, great efforts. They don’t deserve any criticism for the efforts but what they do have to do is keep believing in the right way and the right things when you do get beaten like that.”
Beech took issue with Ian Henderson’s opening goal, having been privvy to similar finishes many a time during his Dale days.
“We thought Ian Henderson was offside and it comes from us attacking and not getting it right and the goalkeeper receiving the ball, playing a really long ball and obviously Ian’s experienced and I’ve seen him do that many times,” he said. “He’s a great player and a great person, Ian, but he’s hurt Fylde today just before half time and we’ve responded really well. We changed a few things at half time regarding shape and constantly attacked Rochdale’s goal. But it was the same old story. You’ve got to put that football in the onion bag.
“Even though it feels quite strange to say this, I believe you earn your right and earn your luck and sometimes it’s about just running extra yards of the pitch and getting more bodies in the six-yard box for the ricochet to come back to you.
“There were obviously a few decisions that were dubious but I’m sure Rochdale and their management team will have a few on their part. That’s football in general. The lad getting sent off, I don’t even know what that’s for, but what I do know is we played really
well. We played with good energy, good football, good intent and I’m
pleased that we represent them traits. What we’ve got to start doing now is being ruthless and the lads, they have got to stick together and believe in it.”