Dale still in mire after Lillis howler
ROCHDALE boss Keith Hill refused to criticise Josh Lillis after the goalkeeper’s schoolboy error in the last minute of a cagey clash cost the hosts dear.
Dale looked well on their way to a deserved and crucial three points as they continue to try and escape from the drop zone, but Lillis inexplicably dropped Stephen Warnock’s cross right at the feet of Bradford striker Charlie Wyke, and he tapped home from four yards.
The two dropped points mean Dale remain one point adrift of potential safety with three games remaining, but Hill reacted positively to the howler.
He said: “It was a vital error from Josh of course, it was an elementary one.
“But I’m not going to stand here and criticise him. We’ll support him and give him encouragement.
“He’s gutted in the dressing room, but he’s been a great servant to this club and has saved us so many times.
“I’m not one for excuses either, so we’ll carry on enjoying this roller-coaster ride and just keep smiling.
“I think the players will keep enjoying the challenges they’re facing, and that’s all I can ask for really.”
Rochdale were good value for their lead.
The hosts struck four minutes before the interval when Matty Done crashed home from 15 yards after meeting a cross from Joe Thompson.
Earlier, Thompson was denied by a brave stop from Bantams keeper Colin Doyle, while at the other end, Matthew Kilgallon headed inches over as he charged in to meet Matty Lund’s cross.
Seconds before the break, Rochdale striker Bradden Inman hit the outside of a post with a shot from the tightest of angles.
The second half was much tighter, with Wyke volleying over the top and Timothee Dieng nodding just wide as the Bantams pressed.
That was before the visitors grabbed their shock lifeline late on, though their play-off hopes are now pretty much dead. Bradford boss Simon Grayson said: “We just needed a bit more quality in the first half in particular.
“We needed to get the ball down and play a bit more, though I can’t fault the lads for the effort they put in.
“We’ve got to keep battling on during these final four games now, and I’m seeing a good attitude among the players right now.
“The play-offs might not happen now this season, but I’m seeing positive steps. They’re small steps, but it’s all about thinking towards next season now.”