DAVID Bellis has heaped praise on teammate Nigel Penney following his three goals in the past four games.

Bellis, who missed last week’s draw at Coalville Town is delighted the former Halesowen Town forward has finally settled down since his summer transfer across the Black Country from The Grove.

He said “Nigel is a good lad and I’m pleased for him.

“We were all looking forward to playing alongside him when he joined from Halesowen in the summer but had a mixed start by his own admission.

“But we all know that Nigel is capable and he’s shown that over the festive period.”

And the former Wokingham & Emmbrook ace thinks Penney can continue his rich vein of form until the end of the season to ensure ‘Dale finish in the top half of the table.

“He’s more than capable.

“Nige has played at this level before with Halesowen and therefore knows the way the league works.

“He’s a good finisher, knows where the net is and goals make prizes – we want to finish in the top half of this league.”

Bellis is looking forward to the trip to Loughborough Dynamo this weekend and targeting another three points for Ian Long’s men.

“Every game has a different dynamic but it’s a game we should be confident about beforehand.

“They sit a couple of places above us in mid table and we need to aim to bring back all three points.

“Our away form has been solid and let’s hope that continues tomorrow.”