Darlington caretaker boss Craig Liddle was delighted with the effort shown against Rochdale. Quakers were unlucky to be beaten 2-0 against a Rochdale side who moved to second in the table. Had Ian Miller's second half header gone in the game could have been very different. Instead it was headed off the line.
Liddle, who was a massive favourite of supporters during his playing days with the club, was proud of the effort on Tuesday night but admits that Quakers need some luck. The caretaker manager, who is assisted by Neil Maddison, is now targeting three points against Macclesfield this weekend.
"Macclesfield is a must win game now, it has to be. They got a point against Burton Albion so by hook or crook we've got to get three on Saturday when they come here. We didn't have much time to prepare for this one. Obviously we have a little more time going into the game with Macclesfield on Saturday. We will try and get some ideas across," said Liddle.
"We are not making excuses, they are all professional players. We asked them to do a job and for the majority of the night they did it. The first goal was crucial but I couldn't fault any of the lads. I thought they were excellent."
"We had a right go but the first goal was always going to be massive. We are disappointed with the first one we conceded. It is bobbling about in our box and it has been turned in by one of their players. That is what happens when you are down the bottom of the league. We had plenty of chances and one off the line. It happens and the lads are down in the dressing room. It is up to us to pick them up now."
Liddle continued: "If luck does even itself out over the season then we are going to be due some come the end of the campaign. It is not quite going for us at the moment and you almost need a goal to go in off someone's backside. We just had to keep going and try to lift everyone's spirits for Saturday's game now. Don't take anything away from Rochdale though, they are a very good side and will be up there come the end of the season."
