Dale boss calls for focus

Date published: 16 December 2014


A THIRD-round clash at home against Nottingham Forest awaits the winners of tonight’s FA Cup replay between Rochdale and Aldershot at Spotland.

A depleted Dale side held out for a goalless draw at the Recreation Ground nine days ago, but Keith Hill’s squad has since shaken off the effects of a debilitating stomach bug and welcomed back key men Matt Done and Peter Vincenti.

Saturday’s thumping 4-1 win at Colchester in Sky Bet League One carries them into the tie against the Shots in confident frame of mind, but Hill does not want his players getting ahead of themselves.

“This game and the fixtures we have between now and the end of the year in League One can ultimately decide whether there is doom and gloom or a real energy about us going into the second half of the season,” said the Dale boss.

“It is very difficult not to look at the bigger picture, which is the possibility of playing Nottingham Forest in the third round, but we cannot afford to look beyond the game against Aldershot and we have to be respectful of the competition.

“Right now we are a million miles away from playing Nottingham Forest.”

Dale will be without on-loan Blackburn Rovers defender Jack O’Connell, who has not been given permission to play by his parent club, while Rhys Bennett is a doubt after an operation to remove nerve endings in his gum last week.