Wilson keen to see cup progress at Rochdale

The Spireites began their league campaign with a 1-1 draw at Oxford on Saturday and now make their cup bow with a trip to Spotland.

And rather than seeing the competition as a hindrance, Wilson wants to use it as a springboard to help his side gain some momentum.

He said: “It’s never easy to adjust to a cup game so early in the season but there’s a lot at stake as we want to do well in it. It’s hard so early on but all have to get on with it and it’ll be a tough game.”

“The League Cup is placed very high as a club like ours needs the extra income. We take nothing for granted - if we were a rich club we could say it’s second best but we’re not so it takes a high priority.

“It’s a cup game and it doesn’t matter how we get through, just that we do, even if we play badly.”

Rochdale began the season with a 3-2 defeat at home to Peterborough United on Saturday and Wilson knows a tough test is in store.

He said: “Rochdale played very well on Saturday and were beaten by a bit of a freak goal late in the game but they were impressive against a very good side in the shape of Peterborough.

“It’ll give us an idea of what we’re up against this season and going to Spotland is never easy, but we came through a very tough test of our own on Saturday so can hope to build on that.”

In terms of personnel, Wilson is expected to keep the majority of the side that faced Oxford together but hinted that some changes may be forced upon him.

He added: “It’s not that we have any injuries as such, just tired limbs. The first game will always take it out of you both physically and psychologically, particularly as it was a hot day, so the recovery has taken a bit longer but hopefully by Tuesday we’ll be fighting fit again.

“We’ve got to be very wary of one or two who played on Saturday as some haven’t played at that level of intensity before and the recovery will take longer for that type of player.

“I’ve got time to think about whether we’ll risk them playing again at Rochdale. They’re tired but there is nothing better than playing and getting to know each other quicker so it’s a dilemma for me.”

Reflecting on Saturday’s draw at Oxford, Wilson said: “I thought as the game went on we grew into it and understood the problems we were faced with in the first-half much better. We got over that hurdle very well and our possession and attacking was much better in the second-half. I was pleased with some good partnerships that are starting to flourish.

“We want to be consistent in our performances. That’s started already with a strong second-half at Oxford and we have to take the belief out of that and continue in the same vein.

“The work ethic we showed when we weren’t in possession was very good and has set a standard for us to match in every game.”

For a slideshow from Saturday’s game, click HERE