Hill delight at historic win

Keith Hill was delighted with his Rochdale side's performance in their historic 1-0 victory at Port Vale in the JPT.

Dale had lost 13 and drawn 12 of their previous 25 visits to Vale Park, but Hill's men were full value for a win which was secured by Joe Rafferty's first professional goal. Michael Rose swung over a cross from the left and the right-back headed home from close range at the far post. "I'm pleased we've made history but even more so with what was a terrific performance," said Hill, whose team bounced back after losing their five-game unbeaten run at the weekend. "I took Saturday's defeat at Portsmouth quite hard. I blamed myself in a way and we came in on Sunday to work on what we need to do to be successful for the rest of the season. "We are a pressing and passing side and we got back to that. I've got a strong belief on how the game should be played and I have to ram that message home to the players and to myself. "Football is a results business, but it's also a development business and an entertainment business. I thought that was an excellent performance not only for the Rochdale supporters but for the Port Vale supporters as well. "I was pleased for Joe. He's only 20 but he's developing physically, emotionally and tactically. It was an outstanding finish and I want him to get forward even more and score more goals."