Jim Bentley says League Two’s bottom club Rochdale will stay positive in their bid to beat a Carlisle United side who “have a bit of everything.”
Bentley’s side are two points adrift of the safety line ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Blues.
The Dale manager was at Brunton Park to watch Paul Simpson’s fourth-placed Cumbrians sweep Hartlepool United aside.
He said it will be a tough test for his strugglers but is targeting a win that can give the EFL’s bottom club a much-needed lift in their fight to beat the drop.
“Paul Simpson is a fella I’ve got a lot of respect for, I know him well and he’s done a fantastic job up there,” Bentley said.
“They’ve invested well. They’ve taken Joe Garner in, the young lad from Palace [John-Kymani Gordon] played on Tuesday, and there were good players on the bench and even out of the squad.
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“They’ve got a little bit of everything – they’re in good form, in a good position and had a good win on Tuesday which they thoroughly deserved.
“In Kristian Dennis they’ve got a player doing fantastically well. He took his goals well the other night and is a really positive player at the level.
“They have numerous players we’ve got to look out for but it’s League Two football.
“As we proved there in my first game [Rochdale’s 3-3 draw at Brunton Park in September], we’re capable of scoring goals. We’re capable of conceding as well.
“It doesn’t matter who you play, you pay them the respect they deserve – Carlisle are in good form, and are a good side – but we’ve got to rise to the challenge, otherwise it’s pointless turning up.”
Rochdale have won one in their last ten league games, and last weekend were beaten by relegation rivals Hartlepool United.
Their only win recently came at play-off chasing Bradford City, but they have struggled to build on that.
“It hasn’t been a great time the last two games, we really should be looking at being five games unbeaten,” said Bentley in a club interview.
“I don’t think tactically we’re getting done by anyone, or moments of brilliance. We’re shooting ourselves in the foot more often than not.
“We’re pleased with some aspects of our play but I expect a bit better.”
Bentley says he has had some “stern words” to his squad about Dale’s predicament.
He added: “They know exactly where my feelings and thoughts are.
“Me as a manager can’t feel sorry [for myself], no-one will feel sorry for you, if anything everyone’s waiting to put the blade in on all of us associated with the club – they’re looking for all sorts to pick up on, that’s the nature of the game if we’re not doing the business.
“You’ve got to get on with the job in hand, remain positive.
“Saturday is a big game for us. It’s a tough task but in League Two anyone’s capable of beating anyone else.
“Wee go with that mentality and try and get back on track.”
Rochdale will be without the suspended pair of Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Sam Graham, who were both sent off in their 2-0 loss at Hartlepool.
The future of 19-year-old midfielder Ethan Brierley is also in the balance, with the teenager having been training with Sheffield United ahead of a possible move.
Bentley also said he is continuing efforts to add to his squad.
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