CHRIS Scott scored the all-important equaliser to share the spoils for Rossendale in a six-goal thriller at Trafford in the UniBond First Division.

The former Burnley defender got on the end of Gareth Gardiner's cross in the 85th minute to keep Rossendale's play-off hopes on track.

But is was Trafford who made the early running no doubt eager to impress new manager, Joey Dunn, who had taken over the post from Mark Molyneaux following his appointment to the managers' position at Chorley.

And it came as no surprise when the home side opened the scored, the unmarked Gareth Thomas heading home in the 13th minutes.

Rossendale found their feet though and replied in the 27th minute when striker Craig Sargeson was brought down by former Rossendale keeper, Mike Allinson.

From the resulting penalty, Sargeson sent the keeper the wrong way to put the Dale level.

And they were unlucky not to add to their tally when a 30 yard shot from Paul Lynch rattled the Trafford crossbar.

But the home side then took charge when Anthony Hogan beat Dale keeper Mark Andrews to put Trafford ahead at half time.

The second half could not have started much worse for Rossendale as in the first minute a mix-up in the defence left Peter Weston with the simple task of tapping the ball into an empty net.

But, to their credit, the Dale responded well. Gary Williams was again influential, he was fouled in the box to give Sargeson his second penalty of the game and he again beat the Trafford keeper with ease.

And, at the death, Gardner, who had just come on as substitute for Heffernan, put in a teasing cross from a free kick and Scott finished the move with a crisp shot to share the spoils.

TRAFFORD...3

ROSSENDALE...3