ONCE again former Rossendale favourite Jody Banim returned to inspire Radcliffe Borough's bid to secure a place in the UniBond Premier Division.
Chances were limited in the first half but Craig Sargeson went close as he cut in from the right, beat three men and had his shot saved low by Hurst.
Radcliffe took the lead on 39 minutes when Banim turned on a loose ball and steered it past Gillies but, despite two of his colleagues being in an offside position, the goal was allowed to stand.
Rossendale started the brighter in the second half and pushed forward for an equaliser. But they were thwarted when Banim was fouled, the referee played advantage and Sampson ran through to lob the ball over Gillies in the Rossendale goal.
Just before the hour mark, Sampson picked up a loose ball and placed his shot wide of Gillies to hand Radcliffe a 3-0 lead.
To their credit, Rossendale pushed forward and were rewarded when Cooper chased a long ball, won the challenge with Hurst in the Radcliffe goal and walked the ball over the line.
ROSSENDALE UNITED ...1
RADCLIFFE BOROUGH ...3
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