Keith Hill respectful of Saturday's opponents Gillingham

Date published: 22 September 2017


It is back to league action on Saturday as Rochdale host Gillingham at the Crown Oil Arena.

Dale will be hoping to build on the emphatic vcitory over Bury in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday evening.

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Manager Keith Hill said: "I believe that we are a good side when we do it correctly.

"We will still lose games even if we do it correctly, but we will win more than we lose. I have got no doubt about that because this group of players is a very good group of players."

Gillingham, like Dale, have had a poor start to the season with the same six points from eight games, and lie just one place above Dale courtesy only of goal difference.

However, Hill says they will be treated with the same respect accorded to top teams.

He added: "Every game is an opportunity, no matter whether we are playing top, middle or bottom of the league.

"We will not treat Gillingham any differently than we would do Blackburn, etc.

"It is a good opportunity for us and it is a good opportunity for the players, but again, we are very respectful of the opposition.”

Gillingham lifted themselves out of the bottom four with victory over Charlton last Saturday and manager Jamie Day said he was pleased with his team's performance.

He added: “It is about proving people wrong and hopefully we do it, get the results and move up the table.

"The Charlton win will give the boys and the fans as well, a boost and a bit of confidence going into Rochdale.”

Honours were even last season with Dale convincing 4-1 winners at the Crown Oil Arena and Gillingham with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Priestfield Stadium.

The clubs have met on 44 occasions with both sides having won 14.

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