Dale errors prove costly

Date published: 13 August 2014


DEFENSIVE mistakes cost Rochdale dear as they crashed out of the Capital One Cup at home to Preston.

Dale dominated the opening 43 minutes of the match, but conceded a soft goal by Andy Little against the run of play.

Former Athletic midfielder Neil Kilkenny then doubled the visitors' advantage when he volleyed home a partially-cleared corner.

“Mistakes turn games. We made a vital individual mistake for their first goal and for the second,” said Dale manager Keith Hill.

“We played well against Peterborough on Saturday, but conceded a goal from a mistake when we switched off at a set piece.

“We cannot make these mistakes and expect to compete against teams at this standard.

“I was reasonably content with the first-half performance, but we have got to be better in both boxes.

“We got into the final third again exceptionally well, but we didn't pick out the right runner, the right pass, the right cross, right shot selection.

“I am very frustrated with both goals, but I won't lose my faith. The players have got to learn from their mistakes quickly.”

Dale played the last 20 minutes with 10 men, Oliver Lancashire limping off after Hill had used all his substitutes.

The Dale skipper suffered a muscle tear and is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.