Keith Hill claims his work at Rochdale has been ‘magical’
Posted Sunday, March 25, 2018 by PA
Rochdale boss Keith Hill was philosophical about his side’s survival chances after seeing them squander the lead in a 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe.
The point gained at Glanford Park sees Dale five points shy of safety going into the final 10 games of the Sky Bet League One campaign.
However, they could have been that bit closer had Ivan Toney not cancelled out Callum Camps’ first-half strike.
“The situation we’re in is what it is,” said Hill.
“What I’ve done in my time at this football club has been magical, but it’s not because I’m a magician, it’s because I have a great relationship with the group of players.
“It’s been difficult this season – very testing – but they are still a great group of players and it’s a great club to work for.
“If we don’t get out of it this season and we get promoted next season from League Two, we’ll be in the same position again because of the economic way in which the football world works.
“There’s a real spirit amongst the players. It’s arguably been at times in the changing room like we’re chasing promotion.
“With the games we’ve got left, I think it’s a point gained today.
“I don’t look at the position we’re in, I look at the form we’re in and aside from one game (a loss to Fleetwood on Tuesday) it’s good.
“We didn’t get the positive result but we got a positive performance and I’m really pleased about that going into the last 10 games.”
Dale were good value for their lead at the break, earned in the 20th minute when Scunthorpe failed to fully clear a corner and Camps’ strike from outside the box bobbled through a packed penalty area and into the bottom corner.
But, having failed to get going throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Iron came out firing at the start of the second half, with Toney nodding home their equaliser six minutes after the restart, after Tom Hopper had headed a free-kick back across goal.
“It was a battle and I wouldn’t say there was loads of quality on show,” said home manager Graham Alexander, whose side remain fifth in the table despite having not won in eight matches.
“We started well enough, but didn’t take advantage of it. It’s important to score when you’re on top.
“Rochdale got a goal, which was a bit of a kick in the ribs to be honest, and afterwards we went a bit flat.
“We needed to liven the players up at half-time and in the second half we were much better – more aggressive, more positive and had more energy.
“We deservedly got back in the game and there were chances at both ends afterwards, but overall I think a draw was a fair result.
“Eight games without a win isn’t good enough, but I saw enough of a response to show we are still in there fighting for promotion.
“The players committed to everything they did and we need to continue that 45 minutes moving forward.”
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