Sport

‘Don’t get complacent’: Keith Hill calls for Rochdale to continue ruthless winning streak against Port Vale

By Suraj Radia

Keith Hill has urged Rochdale to avoid complacency and continue to win in the right manner as his side prepare for the visit of Port Vale.

The Dale host Micky Adams’ men on the back of three straight victories – however, the visitors could secure promotion should they leave Spotland with the win.

Hill believes the hard work his side have put in is paying off and is looking for another positive result to continue their late surge up the League Two table.

“Three victories on the trot makes it a happy place,” Hill said. “But we’ve got to make sure that we’re ruthless in our pursuit of points regardless of the state of the season.

“Winning’s an everyday thing and no matter what we do we’ve got to strive to be winners and winners in the right manner, with respect, discipline and courage.

“The players are enjoying it but it’s been hard work getting to where we are and I don’t want it thrown away with a little bit of complacency.

“I’m reasonably happy and I think it’s the first time in the last couple of seasons we’ve won three on the bounce so let’s hope it’s a sign of things to come.”

Hill could have the luxury of fielding an unchanged side after Rochdale’s victory over Southend United in midweek.

Midfielder Ritchie Jones is still out with an ankle injury while Andrew Tutte, Reece Gray and Rhys Bennett remain long-term absentees.

Hill admitted Rochdale face a tough opponent in the Vale but is adamant his side can compete and leave with all three points.

“We’re going into a hard fixture against Port Vale,” Hill said.

“They’re one of the standout sides of the division and we saw last week what they can do against any side when they destroyed Burton Albion 7-1.

“We have to pay them respect but we also have to back ourselves to be competitive and at least take them on, which we will do.

“The lads have got the edge at the minute and they want to prove they’re better than our league standing.”

Image courtesy of TexacoUKFC, via YouTube, with thanks.

For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.

Related Articles