ROSSENDALE got off the mark in this year's UniBond First Division season at the third attempt with a well-deserved victory in their first-ever competitive match at Bamber Bridge's Irongate ground.

Tormentor-in-chief was Gary Williams who put in another impressive display, as the home side's defence had no answer to his pace and trickery.

In a relatively even first half, Dale had the better of the attempts on goal.

Brett Baxter and Jason Heffernan both tested Sharrock in the Bridge goal early on and Williams caused chaos in the penalty area with a couple of crosses which the defence struggled to clear.

Bridge relied heavily on the long ball out of defence, especially to their impressive right winger, Dean Cooper, and he had a couple of good efforts which were just off target.

Right on half time, Bridge should have taken the lead. Stuart Shepherd was left in the clear in the centre of goal, but a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Mark Andrews left the scoresheet blank at half time.

The home side started the second half the better, Lee Pryers was denied by Andrews and Chris Scott got in a tremendous block to prevent David Sutch from opening the scoring.

Dale then took control of the game and it was no surprise when the opening goal arrived on 72 minutes. Craig Sargeson pounced on a defensive error, laid the ball to Williams and his angled drive found the bottom corner.

Dale then took control of the game, and it was no surprise when the opening goal arrived on 72 minutes. Craig Sargeson pounced on a defensive error, laid the ball to Williams and his angled drive found the bottom corner.

Dale could have extended their lead before the end. Chris Clarke had a long range effort comfortably saved, and Gareth Gardner was also unlucky when his shot from the edge of the penalty area was tipped over by Sharrock.