ROSSENDALE United went out of the FA Cup at UniBond Premier Division side Marine, but they gave their higher league opponents one or two scares along the way.

Fielding a much changed side due to players being cup tied, the 11 on display gave it their all, but in the end it wasn't quite enough to see off their stronger, better organised opponents.

Tommy Taylor had already wasted a golden chance in the opening exchanges, but from that point Dale took over in the first quarter of an hour. Neil Reynolds stung the palms of Peter Crookes in the Marine goal, then Doni Clarke out-muscled Gary Randles before slotting the ball under Crookes to give Dale the lead.

Robbie Smith fired another shot narrowly wide as Dale threatened to add to their advantage, but on 15 minutes Marine levelled the game when Dave Nolan's cross deceived Ian Martin in the Dale goal as the ball floated into the corner of the net.

The second half started with Dale again on top as Clarke fired a shot over and both Gary Williams and Smith went close, but it was Marine who got the vital breakthrough on the hour. Veteran Steve Whitehall found space in the box and his shot cannoned off the post back to Nolan who doubled his tally for the afternoon by side-footing into the empty net.

It was soon three as good work from Black down the right set up substitute Will Dolan at the back post for an easy tap-in, but to their credit Dale kept going and could have forced their way back into the game.

Williams wasted a good chance by shooting from a narrow angle as players queued up at the back post and Jordan Rispin's flick header from Dave Gamble's free kick floated just wide, but it was not to be as the Cup adventure for 2003-04 came to a close.

MARINE...3 ROSSENDALE UTD...1