ROCHDALE AFC manager Robbie Stockdale has spoken of his pride in his side's Carabao Cup performance against Premier League Burnley.
League Two Dale lost the game at Turf Moor 4 - 1 but speaking to the club's official website Stockdale said: "I feel pride in a lot of our performance.
"I thought we more than held our own for a large part of the game, probably until 60 minutes when the second goal went in.
"We gave them problems with our ability to keep the ball and we scored a really good goal, but it's relentless - you're playing against Premier League players and the pressures that they put you under is constant.
"It was a great learning curve for our players, especially the younger ones."
Stockdale also spoke of his pride in the supporters who made the trip to Burnley for the game. He said: "The score line probably flatters them a little bit. I hope other people see that as well because for large period we were good."
"We were brave. We were brave in possession, and we were brave out of possession, and then we scored a goal from front foot pressing and it was a really good finish.
"We punched above our weight in this game and for decent periods we held our own."
Stockdale added: "Our sole focus for this year was to be successful in the league - this is a little bonus for us - and we're going to need that support again.
"I've got no doubts we'll get it because I think they can see that the players are giving their all, so let's just reflect on where we've come to, but we want to get better."