Hill: We couldn't have made a better start

Dale boss Keith Hill was full of praise for his new squad after the game on Saturday in which we stuck three goals past Hartlepool.

Speaking to the press after the game, he said: "It doesn't get much better than that. We dominated in certain periods of the game but we could have found ourselves one or two goals down because they had the first chance of the first half and the first chance of the second half. Those chances could have been crucial and it could have undermined the energy and enthusiasm, the work and intelligence we were showing.

"The result is a product of preseason and, I suppose, the first few months when I first came back to the club. So I'm really pleased at the moment - it couldn't have been a better start. There were five players making their debuts but we have been together for six weeks in the making - but we are not made yet. I thought we were very good in every department."

Dale beat Hartlepool thanks to goals from Scott Hogan, George Donnelly and Ian Henderson.

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