Dale's awayday delight

ROSSENDALE United travelled to neighbours Radcliffe for this top-of-the-table clash and on a pitch only passed fit for play just before kick off took the points with a sterling display.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with neither keeper being troubled and 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 half time 2-0 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 Kissock converted, when Andrews was adjudged to have fouled 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 Rossendale.