ROSSENDALE lost out in a seven goal thriller largely due to a mad five minutes just after half time.

They went in 2-1 up at the interval but trailed 3-2 just five minutes after the restart.

Jim McCluskie's side matched the early season UniBond First Division pacesetters stride for stride in the opening half, and after the first 25 minutes they could have been three clear of the Derbyshire side.

Chris Brooks had already squandered a great chance in the opening minute before he opened the scoring just seven minutes in, toe poking the ball past Gavin Saxby after a Craig Sargeson cross.

Dale pulled the Alfreton defence apart with their best football of the season so far as both Brooks and Williams were denied by last-ditch tackles, and Saxby did well to prevent Gary Williams from doubling the lead.

The visitors began to claw their way back into the game with the front four of France, Goddard, Godber and Bettney a constant threat.

Dale keeper Billy Carrington, who was making his first appearance of the campaign, did well to prevent Godber twice before the big striker equalised with a scrambled effort which just crossed the line on 34 minutes.

Brooks quickly restored Dale's lead from a tight angle and Williams should have made it three, but fired over from close range.

Then came the mad five minutes. Carrington worked wonders to deny Godber and Goddard with a double save, but was powerless to prevent France then Bettney from putting the visitors in the lead.

From then on it was end to end as both teams exposed each other's defences with quick attacking play.

Williams and Howarth troubled Saxby, while France shot wide and Godber hit the bar. Matt Woods nearly equalised for Dale with a flying header, but with 17 minutes remaining it was 4-2 as France had an easy tap-in after Bettney unselfishly squared the ball.

Gareth Gardner pulled a goal back with a low shot but despite their best efforts an equaliser didn't arrive. Dale were left to rue a combination of missed chances and sloppy defending in those mad minutes.

ROSSENDALE UTD...3

ALFRETON TOWN...4