ROSSENDALE started life back in the UniBond League after a 12-year absence with a well earned victory.

Ged Walsh scored the all-important goal thumping home a header eight minutes into the second half.

The first half was something of a non event with neither side able to create chances thanks mainly to a congested midfield.

It was 27 minutes before either keeper was called into action, Dale keeper Mark Andrews racing out to block Matlock striker Taylor's effort.

The nearest Dale got to a goal saw Gardiner's drive blocked after Chris Willcock's had done well on the left.

Dale started the second half well, threatening down both flanks through Gardiner and Jerome Fitzgerald, but the strikers failed to get on the end of several good crosses.

Then Fitzgerald floated in a free kick which Walsh got on the end of and powerered home a header from 10 yards out to break the deadlock.

Matlock stirred briefly and Andrews pulled off a tremendous save to palm away a Hutchinson pile driver.

The introduction of Cunningham in the last 20 minutes saw Dale take control of the game and on four occasions the substitute was unlucky not to add to the scoring.

His best two efforts saw a goalline clearance from an overhead kick and then, with five minutes remaining, Matlock's keeper produced a wonder save to keep out a goalbound effort.

RESULT: MATLOCK TOWN...0 ROSSENDALE UNITED...1

Rossendale's next game in the UniBond First Division is at Dark Lane on Tuesday against Gretna.