Dale boss’s respect for derby rivals

DANGER MAN . . . 18-goal striker Ian Henderson will be a big threat to Athletic tonight.

KEITH Hill insists tonight’s derby clash will be a rare occasion for Rochdale and Athletic.

The Dale boss says the two clubs work closely together most of the time, and spoke of his admiration for his opponents.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Dean Holden, Tony Philliskirk and Oldham Athletic,” revealed Hill. “I know the owner Simon Corney — they’re very similar to us, except tonight they’re rivals.

“I think other than matchday, we try to help each other out as neighbours. With respect to them having a caretaker manager to the end of the season, I don’t think it makes any difference.

“Players’ attitude and application is what’s important and most players turn up for a derby.”

There is plenty at stake for both teams tonight, but for Rochdale there is a huge carrot in the form of joining the play-off places if they beat Athletic. Four wins in their last five matches have seen Keith Hill’s well-organised outfit back up to eighth in the table, only three points behind Peterborough in sixth place and with a massively-superior goal difference.

Maximum points could also lift Dale to within two points of fifth-placed Sheffield United if the Blades were to lose tonight.

Hill is fully aware how important tonight’s derby will be: “We have worked so hard to make sure the game in hand at Oldham can be really significant.

Rochdale have been a little topsy-turvy since Christmas, but they are bang in form at present.