Boro down but not out

RADCLIFFE BORO stayed on top of the UniBond Division One table, despite this disappointing Boxing Day defeat.

Harrogate, their closest rivals and the only team capbale of overhauling Boro at present, were not in action due to the weather.

On a pitch only passed fit for play just before kick-off, the opening exchanges were fairly even, with neither keeper being troubled.

Rossendale's Craig Sargeson came nearest to scoring, finishing off a good move with a shot just wide of the post.

In the 20th minute Rossendale opened the scoring when Steve Cunningham put in a perfect cross from the right wing, which Jerome Fitzgerald headed back across the keeper into the far corner of the net.

Thirteen minutes later Fitzgerald became goal provider when his in-swinging corner was glanced into the net by Chris Scott.

Radcliffe pushed forward to get back into the game, but some fine defending and an outstanding save from a free-kick by Dale keeper Mark Andrews kept the score at 2-0 at half-time to Rossendale.

At the start of the second half Radcliffe continued to press forward, but it did not look like they would score until they were awarded a penalty, which Lee Kissock converted, when Andrews was adjudged to have fouled Richard Landon.

Rossendale's defence continued to look strong and the game was put beyond doubt when, with five minutes of normal time to go, Troy Hayder was unnecessarily fouled in the box by Tony Whealing when the danger seemed to

have passed and Darren Bowman converted the kick to secure the points for Rossendale.