Dale were 1-0 ahead going into the break, with the visitors scoring twice in 15 minutes after the break, before Ian Henderson’s 88th minute equaliser.
“I think, ultimately, it’s a fair result,” commented Francis.
“It was an enjoyable game of football and the atmosphere from our fans was top.
“It was a tough test. Their form doesn’t reflect the way they’ve been playing, and the gaffer said that to us before the game. Right throughout, their intensity was there, and we had to match it.
“2-2 is probably a fair result. We had a good chance towards the end, but Sam [Waller] made a good save as well.”
Dajaune Brown’s fourth in six games put Dale ahead in the first half, with Francis praising the move that led to the goal.
“That’s what we work on. I thought it was an unbelievable goal.
“We made a lot of good chances in the first half, and it showed that, when we do play the way we want to play with what we’re trying to do, it works.
“In the second half, for 20-25 minutes, we didn’t do that, and ultimately we got punished. They turned the game around, and that tells us all we need to know.”
Henderson’s late goal displayed another fightback from Dale, after almost earning an unlikely point at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.
“There’s that belief in the Club and in the players. It has followed on from last year.
“I think the fans can feel it as well and they really drive us on, even if we are losing.
“If you look at Crewe and tonight, there’s a feeling amongst the boys. It’s not something you can buy, it’s earned over years and years.
“It’s a good spot to be in as a player when you know the chances are coming.”
Watch the full-post match interview with Watson via our official YouTube channel below.
