Rossendale United ...3 Bridlington Town ...1

ROSSENDALE kept themselves in the hunt for a top 13 finish with a much-needed victory over a strong Bridlington side.

The visitors had the better of a poor first half and will wonder how they went in at the break a goal behind after they created three clear-cut opportunities but failed to take advantage of them.

Dale took the lead two minutes before half-time when Clarke's cross found Damien Hindle, whose shot was blocked only for Blake Norton to tuck home the rebound for only the third goal Dale have scored at home in 2004.

The home side's joy was short lived as Jamie Richards equalised five minutes after the break but the introduction of Chris Fitzsimmons just after the hour made a huge difference to Rossendale and they started to threaten as the game entered the final 20 minutes.

Brooks hit the post before Jim McCluskie's men regained the lead six minutes from time.

Fitzsimmons burst through from midfield, his shot was parried by Hill but Hindle was quickest to react to bundle the ball home from the rebound.

A minute later it was three. More good work from Fitzsimmons saw him lay the ball to Norton and his cross was hammered home by Ian Barker for his second goal in as many games to secure the three points.