ROSSENDALE produced a superb second half display to overcome the odds and dump Premier Division Droylsden out of the UniBond League Cup.

Trailing at the break, first division Dale lost keeper Mark Andrews just 60 seconds into the second half with a badly cut forehead.

Full back Matt Houldsworth replaced Andrews, and with the help of the Dale defence, coped easily with anything the visitors could throw at them.

Droylsden had controlled the first half, playing some neat football, and should have opened the scoring just two minutes in, but Wilson headed wide from close range

They deservedly took the lead on 18 minutes, Adam Farley's thunderbolt from 25 yards leaving Andrews clutching at thin air.

Dale began to edge their way back into the game, Fitzsimmons brought out a full length save from Gibson, and Williams pulled a shot wide after Heys had put him clear.

The injury to Andrews seemed to work in Dale's favour, and after Houldsworth had saved from Salmon they took control of the game.

They exploited a Droylsden defence that tried to play the offside and on 66 minutes Craig Sargeson equalised with a neat finish after Brooks had put him clear. Dale continued to play the better football and Williams was denied by Gibson who saved well at the striker's feet, but he was powerless to prevent the winner with six minutes remaining. Ged Smith was played in behind the defence and he slotted the ball past the advancing keeper.

Dale survived a late scare as Houldsworth produced a tremendous reaction save in injury time to prevent O'Brien equalising from a corner, and after eight minutes of time added on they deservedly took their place in the next round.

ROSSENDALE UTD...2 DROYLSDEN...1