Rochdale boss Keith Hill refused to criticise his players following the 2-1 League Two play-off semi-final defeat at Gillingham.
Simeon Jackson opened the scoring when he converted Andy Barcham's low cross and although Chris Dagnall levelled just before the break, Jackson won it for the Gills from the penalty spot.
Hill said: ``I thought the performance was outstanding. There was commitment from all the players to be successful, there was a belief there and we've gone out to a penalty."
He added: ``I think it was a penalty, I'm not complaining at all. There's a lot of emotions in that (dressing) room because we weren't expecting to go out
``There's unbelievable belief in there and that's why the emotions are so low because at no time did we ever expect to be in this position. I give all the credit in the world to Mark Stimson and Gillingham, they're going to Wembley and it's a shame that we aren't.''
Comment 1 - 1 of 1
As a Gillingham fan I thought we edged it on the day but I am probably biased. It was so close that had Rochdale scored again before us the result could easily have been the other way. The game was played in a good spirit which is remarkable given the two teams had played each other three times in a week and with a big prize at stake. Full credit to Keith Hill. It is refreshing to hear someone taking defeat with a sense of balance. But above all else I watched with great admiration the reaction of the 2-300 Dale fans who applauded the Gills fans at the end of the game and it was nice also that our lot did not laud it over those disappointed fans but returned the applause.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account