Rochdale boss Jim Bentley admitted his side had no answer to Paul Huntington’s well-known aerial threat in the 3-3 draw at Brunton Park.

Bentley said his first league game in charge of Carlisle United’s opponents “had a bit of everything”.

And while he felt his team produced plenty of quality, he admitted United’s equaliser came from a well-known source.

“We go 3-1 up and didn’t cling onto that lead for long enough,” Bentley said.

READ MORE: Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson's reaction to 3-3 draw with Rochdale

“They were a threat from set plays. Huntington’s done it for years at Preston. He had a good goalscoring record there, and sometimes it’s difficult when you’re trying to mark that.

News and Star: New Rochdale boss Bentley on the touchline at Brunton Park (photo: Barbara Abbott)New Rochdale boss Bentley on the touchline at Brunton Park (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“We have changed the way we’re going to defend set plays but it comes down to individual duels and you getting the better of your man.”

Bentley also admitted he was disappointed his side couldn’t hold onto their first-half lead at a time he felt Carlisle’s fans were growing restless.

Former Barrow striker Scott Quigley shot Dale in front on his debut, but Jon Mellish levelled for Carlisle before half-time.

“When we’re 1-0 up, the crowd were just starting to get on their back a bit,” Bentley said in a club interview.

“It was their first shot on target from the corner.

“They score, then the crowd get right behind them. They’re a passionate group here and it could then have been 2-1 when [Kristian] Dennis goes through and Richard [O’Donnell] makes a fantastic save.”

Devante Rodney and the influential deadline-day arrival Quigley then put Rochdale 3-1 up early in the second half before Carlisle fought back through Dennis and Huntington.

“My voice is gone, I’m drained, but that’s why I’m in the game,” the visiting boss added.

“It was a fantastic game. It had a bit of everything. Both sets of players gave their absolute all.

“Chances were created by both sides. We’re pleased with certain elements of our play, not so with others, but we’ve only been in the building a couple of days.

“It’s a tough place to come. They [Carlisle] have got a game in hand and if they [get] three points from that game in hand they’re in the play-off positions.

“They’ve started well, Carlisle, I know over the years it’s a difficult place to come.”