ROSSENDALE made it nine points from three consecutive away games as they claimed a narrow win at a foggy Bracken Moor Lane.

It was a good, battling performance from Dale who spent long periods of the match on the back foot against a Stocksbridge side full of confidence after a recent good run of results.

Both sides had good early chances, ex Burnley player Liam Robinson hit the Dale bar on five minutes, and Jerome Fitzgerald sent in a vicious swinging corner that thumped the Stocksbridge crossbar just a minute later.

Fitzgerald then had a good claim for a penalty on 18 minutes when he appeared to be tripped in the box, but the referee waved away the claims.

Stocksbridge had long periods of play with the ball, and before half time had two great chances to take the lead. Robinson's cross from the left was missed by the Dale defence, Pickess picked up the loose ball, rounded Andrews but hit the outside of the post. Then Illingworth was put in by Jackson but his shot was well saved by Andrews at his near post.

The goal came after 56 minutes. Carl Howarth ran into the box and rolled a perfect ball for the onrushing Richard Harrison who slotted the ball home from ten yards.

The rest of the game was played in increasing gloom as the fog worsened. Stocksbridge pressed hard for the remaining half an hour, Dale holding firm with excellent displays along the back four. Despite all their possession Stocksbridge created just one real chance, but Pickess shot over from ten yards.

STOCKSBRIDGE...0 ROSSENDALE UTD...1