Hill happy to win ugly

Keith Hill admitted Rochdale's 1-0 win against Chesterfield was not exactly easy on the eye - but felt it was just what his side needed.

Ian Henderson's second-half goal separated the sides in scrappy, hard-fought contest between two teams struggling for form. And while the spectacle will quickly be forgotten, Hill insisted the morale-boosting win was the ideal tonic after losing two on the bounce and falling behind the play-off chasing pack. "The game was not for the connoisseur but at this time of the season it is all about results. It's about trying to re-establish confidence and self belief, which has been missing lately," he said. "I think we've been trying to put too much pressure on the players to try and achieve the dream, which is getting to the play-offs. "But really when I look at it and analyse what's going on in this league financially, we'd need a benefactor to be putting in £2million a year at least towards the playing budget for us to maintain any sort of challenge throughout the course of any season in League One. "Chesterfield have been going through a difficult run of results, as we have, so it was always going to be a battle. But I was pleased with the way we fought, we dug in and showed spirit." Peter Vincenti headed over for Dale and Gary Roberts saw his effort saved by Josh Lillis in a dull first half. The contest improved after the break and the Spireites went close with a volley from Ollie Banks and a Sam Hird header. But Dale took the lead when Michael Rose's free kick was touched home by Henderson. Sub Caolan Lavery had a great chance to level in time added on but Lillis pulled off a terrific save. Chesterfield boss Paul Cook admitted his players were hurting after their fourth successive defeat. "In the first half we looked the better side and I thought we could go on to win. But we're just not penetrating in that box at the minute," said Cook. "Whatever we offer at the minute doesn't seem to be enough. It's an important time for us now and the next couple of games are huge. "The players have done ever so well for me and this football club and now is the time to show character. "What we mustn't do now is chop and change. As a manager I must learn from my mistakes in the past and chopping and changing won't get us where we want to be. "The players, staff and supporters all need to step up the plate and our supporters need to stick with us. "The lads are dejected and it does hurt them. It's important our mood stays good. Now is the time we need the supporters. Now, if you're a good supporter you'll show your colours."