Match views . . . Rochdale

STEPHEN ROBINSON

STEPHEN Robinson felt Athletic didn't start the game well enough and paid the price:

"The result was obviously not what we set out to achieve.

"The first-half performance cost us and on their first-half performance, they deserved to win the game.

"We started the game too late - after they (the players) had been given a rocket at half-time.

"So ultimately, that's how we lost the game - because of how we started.

"It wasn't through a lack of desire or trying. Every player gives their all and no player ever means to play badly. I have said that on numerous occasions.

"Rochdale did the physical side of the game well in the first half and were stronger than we were.

"That's not every one of our players, but some of them - more than 50-per-cent.

"It costs you the game.

"We came out and dominated large parts of the second half, creating chances. But if you don't score, then you lose games."

Rochdale boss Keith Hill felt the scoreline could have been more emphatic:

"The scoreline flattered the opposition. In the first half, we were absolutely superb and we should have really put the game to bed. That was my only concern - it was brilliant.

"We created goal-scoring opportunities and their goalkeeper kept them in it.

"They didn't really threaten other than one opportunity, but in games like that you want to go in more than 1-0 up.

"Second half, it turned slightly in favour of the opposition, who looked threatening when the ball was out wide.

"We defended well and still had chances on the counter.

"Their goalkeeper was worked a lot more than ours was."