In-form Dale edge ‘dangerous’ rivals
JIMMY Mcnulty was pleased to take all three points against a ‘dangerous’ Maidenhead United side.
Devante Rodney’s firsthalf header, complete with a clean sheet, was enough to secure a 1-0 win at the Crown Oil Arena.
The head coach felt his side dominated the majority of the game and that was helped by the backing from the Dale fans.
“It was a pleasing win,” commented Mcnulty.
“Home has been a good place for us. There was a connection again with the players and the fans – the Sandy Lane end were singing their hearts out throughout the game.
“I’ll always mention it because it’s so powerful for us when we find that connection and push towards getting the outcome that we want.
“We did that against a team that are desperate and fighting for their lives, and desperate is dangerous. Maidenhead are a dangerous outfit.
“I’ve seen their victories, like the 3-1 win at Altrincham. They’re capable of those performances.
“They sit and watch you do what you want to do, then bang, they’re on the break and have a chance. They very nearly did it to us in the opening exchanges as well. But it didn’t surprise me.
“I wanted us to continue to have more courage, more belief and break them down.
“We scored a brilliant goal. In the second-half, we really went on to turn them over.
“There was a period before the inevitable pressure that always comes in the National League, where we put together some real nice moves that we didn’t quite finish.
“I thought we could have put the game to bed. The players are actually disappointed in a slight way with the win, that they didn’t make it more because they felt like it was there for them.
“I’ll make sure they’re respectful of the opponents we’ve played and respectful of the result, which was a very good one. The fact we made 70 minutes of that game look clinical is impressive.”
Goalkeeper Jacob Chapman, who joined from Huddersfield Town until the end of the season days ahead of the game impressed on his debut.
Chapman replaced Tiernan Brooks, who was away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.
“I’m really happy to be here,” commented Chapman.
“It’s a great club that plays some great football, which I believe suits me. I think it will be a really positive loan for me.
“As soon as it came up it was something that I wanted to do, and it was done fairly quickly. I heard there was some interest last week and I signed here on Tuesday, so I’m pleased it was done quickly. It’s a great opportunity for me so I’ve just got to get to work now.
“Dicko [Kris Dixon] the goalkeeper coach has made it really easy for me and the lads have been class, as have the whole coaching staff.
“That’s what you want when you come in and it’s been a breeze so far.”
Australian Chapman began his career with Sydney United 58 before joining Marconi Stallions, who both competed in National Premier Leagues NSW.
He signed for Huddersfield Town in 2019 following a successful trial, spending time on loan at Ossett United and then Gateshead 2021, playing 29 times as they won the National League North title.
The goalkeeper played five times for Salford City last season, before making his debut for Huddersfield in December 2023, playing twice in the Championship.