FLEETWOOD 0 ROSSENDALE 1 ROSSENDALE came out on top in this massive six pointer at the top of NWCL Division One.

Jim McCluskie's men showed great character to put in a quality performance to keep them top of the league by three points.

No more so than keeper Mark Andrews who made telling saves either side of the break to keep his side in it.

Top striker Craig Sargeson hit the post on 19 minutes before scoring what proved to be the winner a minute later.

A free kick was played out to Steve Cunningham who headed into the box for Ged Walsh to lay on for Sargeson who crashed home.

As Fleetwood looked for an equaliser Steve Bird and the Rossendale defence headed off the home attack with Andrews weighing in with a breathtaking one-handed save.

The second half continued in the same vein with both sides making a cracking game, but Dale showed their quality and retained the lead.

Dale also showed their strength in depth by bringing on sub Matt Knowles, who impressed with his commitment, for midfield power house Paul Lynch, and strikers Jody Banim and Paul Heavey to continue the attcking game late on.