OSSETT Town obtained their usual victory over Rossendale with a well-deserved single goal win in the UniBond First Division at Dark Lane.

The Yorkshire side were quicker, sharper and more inventive than Dale who produced another lack-lustre performance.

It was a poor first half with little action at either end. Neither midfield were able to keep hold of the ball as both sides wasted possession.

The only two efforts of real note were Chris Clark's early shot which flew narrowly over and Matt Albery's effort on the turn for the visitors.

The introduction of Steve Olekzevycz at the break gave Osett more options up front, and they upped their game causing the Dale defence plenty of problems.

Fothergill tested Mark Andrews with a low drive and it was little surprise when the only goal of the game arrived on 57 minutes.

Dale failed to deal with a free kick to the back post and Craig Boardman slid home the knock down from close range.

Rossendale threw on Matt Woods and his extra height gave the visitors defence more problems, as well as providing Dale with someone to hold the ball up in the danger area, and the home side fought their way back into the game.

Brooks somehow managed to miss an open goal after superb work down the left by Gary Williams and Craig Sargeson was denied twice by Lee Bracey in the Ossett goal.

The visitors had a chance to increase their lead near the end through Oleksevycz and Fuller, but Woods had the final chance of the game for Dale but he headed over when well-placed in the area.

ROSSENDALE UNITED...0 OSSETT TOWN...1