Paul’s post-match reaction after Rochdale defeat
Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale conceded that the Grecians were beaten by a good team at St James Park as Jamie Allen’s first-half goal gave Rochdale a 1-0 win.
The victory lifted the Dale back into the automatic promotion spots and within one point of the League 2 summit, and the City manager was under no illusions that their visitors had merited the result which they got.
City had chances that went begging, in particular in the first half, and Paul felt that opportunities were always going to be hard to come across against a side that are chasing the League 2 title.
City had chances that went begging, in particular in the first half, and Paul felt that opportunities were always going to be hard to come across against a side that are chasing the League 2 title.
“We were beaten by a very good team today,” said Tis. “I haven’t seen a better team in our league than Rochdale.
“One goal separates the team today – it’s a goal that I am particularly disappointed with because it’s the last 30 seconds of the first half, and it was a particularly poor goal to concede.
“Goals change games, and we had two glaring opportunities before they scored to put the ball in teh net and we managed not to. So we had our chances.
“We didn’t quite have the energy I would have wanted today in the side, and we had three or four players below par. I don’t think we can play that way and get away with results against teams like Rochdale.
“We didn’t deserve much more than a draw, and you have to say Rochdale were worthy of their result today.
“It’s not the end of the world – we’re disappointed but we still could have got a draw and we had good pressure in the last half an hour of the game. We didn’t quite have the level of composure or craft to make it work for us. We rushed a few shots and we could have done better on those things.
“We just hit a dead end today, and we have to move onto the next game and I have to establish who are going to be the most energetic and fluent players going into Tuesday’s game.
Certainly one positive for the team was the performance of young stopper Christy Pym, who once again got the nod with Artur Krysiak still sidelined with injury.
The 18-year-old made a number of good stops and commanded his six-yard box well throughout the fixture, and the City manager was pleased to see such a confident performance in just his third appearance as a professional.
“Christy Pym played extremely well in goal and made some really good saves,” continued Paul. “They were a threat and you could see they had a creative edge to them. They were mobile, quick and talented and Christy made some really good saves.
“He was a plus today – he got another game under his belt and he can only gain from the experience.
“His forte is definitely his assured contribution with his feet on back-passes. As an 18-year-old first-year professional, he has just shown how assured he is.
“What pleased me more than anything was that he came for two or three early crosses early in the game. He’s focused on that during the week with goalkeeping coach Mel Gwinnett, and I’m delighted with the way he came for the ball in the air. That’s something he needs to show he is capable of, and he did it today so well done him.”