Rochdale assistant manager Chris Beech has claimed that the club's form this season is due to a blueprint that was set out in the summer.

The League Two outfit currently sit third in the table, just three points off the top, following Saturday's 3-0 win over Newport County.

"It doesn't happen by accident. This started in pre-season when we were in Tenerife and we set out the way that we want to play football," he told reporters at a press conference.

"We want the players to express themselves on the ball while locking down the pitch, and want the boys to take the ball, pass the ball and move.

"It's a modern trait of football at the top end of the footballing chain and we want to attack League Two in the same vein. We know that when we get it right you get accolades like we have after this win."

Dale have won five of their last six matches in the league.