Skip to content

Clough praises desire to win

Image: Nigel Clough: Thought it was a deserved win

Nigel Clough praised the togetherness of his Sheffield United squad after they beat Rochdale 2-1 at Spotland.

Goals either side of the break from Marc McNulty and John Brayford - helped by a howler from Dale goalkeeper Josh Lillis - made it four wins from the last five games for Clough's men and strengthened their grip on a League One play-off spot. "We had to be resolute - we've had two of our most difficult games of the season against Rochdale home and away," said Clough. "The second goal was a bit fortunate but I felt we deserved to win the game. "John Brayford hit the target and the ball moved all over the place and it's ended up in the net. "We're seeing the togetherness of the group shining through, the desire to win. If you show any signs of weakness at a place like this they stamp on it, but we got a brilliant goal from Marc McNulty, doubled it and had to work very hard to keep hold of it. "Matty Done has been carrying a couple of knocks, that's why he didn't start. "There is a pressure on every game to win as other teams are winning, but not many will have had as tough a game as we had at Rochdale." Dale started brightly, with Peter Vincenti heading just over the crossbar in the opening minutes. But the Blades edged a tight first half when they opened the scoring after 12 minutes, McNulty curling a fine finish wide of Lillis in the Dale goal. Michael Rose's deflected free-kick forced Iain Turner into his first meaningful save of the night early in the second half but Rochdale were undone by a howler from Lillis in the 62nd minute. He appeared well set to collect Brayford's shot from distance, but he allowed the ball to squirm out of his grasp and over the line. Defender Jack O'Connell pulled one back for the home side when he headed home Ian Henderson's cross in the 75th minute. Rochdale boss Keith Hill said Lillis would be forgiven for his blooper. "These things happen, it's just a shame it happened against one of the best sides in the league," he said. "I thought it was an evenly-matched game and at times in the second half we showed a great response, but unfortunately these mistakes happen. "There's no point feeling sorry for yourselves when something like that happens. Josh will be forgiven and he will be in the starting line-up at Bristol City on Saturday. This was always a bonus game for us when you consider the strength of the opposition. "We had nothing to lose but we could have gained so much and it was possibly an opportunity missed on the night."

Around Sky