ROSSENDALE United sent an understrength side to Burscough last night in order to protect their injury-ravaged squad for Saturday's FA Cup Second Qualifying Round tie at Thackley.

It was Dale's second successive defeat but only the second loss of the season for Jim McCluskie's side.

Despite putting in a brave, battling performance last night, UniBond Premier opponents Bursough proved too strong in the end in this UniBond League Cup group stage tie.

Jamie Cassidy put the home side ahead on 39 minutes after spotting Mark Andrews off his line and cleverly chipping the keeper from 30 yards.

Cassidy then hit a post before the interval as the home side looked to finish the game off.

Dale battled well after the break, but couldn't grab an equaliser and McEvilly put the game beyond their reach near the end with the home side's second goal.

RESULT: BURSCOUGH...2 ROSSENDALE...0