ROSS Thorpe was satisfied with a point at Daventry Town on Tuesday night, despite Dale once again letting a one goal lead slip at Communications Park in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League, First Division South.

Chris Sterling put Tivi ahead moments before half-time, but the hosts levelled the score at 1-1 from a set play through former Belper Town forward Nabil Shariff just after the hour mark.

Dale are now five games unbeaten in the league and Thorpe insists every point will prove to be vital as his side look to climb the First Division South table.

“I was very pleased with the overall performance,” said the 34-year old.

“The travelling supporters showed their appreciation to the players as they left the field of play, and they were worthy of that appreciation.
“We started brightly, Sterls worked the keeper early doors from Demetri’s (Brown) cross.

“The goal was magnificent all round. Farquharson won the aerial duel, Rabone latched onto the flick and it was a pin point cross for Chris Sterling to finish off.

“We were disappointed to concede the way we did from the set-piece but we would have taken a point before the game. This point could well prove very important to us later in the season.”

The former Alvechurch boss was full of praise for captain Jason Chilton, who once again deputised at centre-half alongside Phil Male in the absence of Jacob Barnes and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd.

“Chili has been terrific the past two games. He’s been consistent all season and it’s a bonus he’s known Phil for so long. They understand one another and communicate well, as experienced players do.

“Having said that, great credit to Cameron Burns, too. We sent him out on loan to Pelsall Villa to get some game time and he’s come back in great condition. He was excellent at Loughborough playing right-back when Lewis Wright was unavailable and he was great again on Tuesday.”

Dale now face three tricky fixtures with Leek Town and Coalville Town set to visit The Beeches, and a trip to Sheffield FC between those two games, but Thorpe insists the pressure is off his players.

“This month is one of our toughest fixture wise on paper.

“But two of those three games are at home and, Gresley aside, I think we’ve matched every team for long periods in each home game this season, including Shaw Lane Aquaforce and Stafford Rangers.

“The pressure is on our opponents in all of the next three fixtures, of that there is no doubt, but we want to extend our unbeaten run and keep on picking up points.”