SKELMERSDALE 2 ROSSENDALE 1

IT is tough at the top. There are teams out to topple you and none more so than Skelmersdale.

Dale were unable to pierce a determined home defence with only an own goal to add to their tally.

Andrews in the Dale goal impressed all afternoon, charging out to block on several occasions and saving at full stretch but to no avail as Dale relinquished a first half lead.

When Paul Heavy darted into the box on 26 minutes his cross from the by line was parried by a scrambling keeper into the path of the number eight who deflected into his net under pressure from Patrick Lauber.

The game was end to end stuff but Dale were rattled when a home free kick was dispatched on 59 minutes.

Dale changed their line-up bringing on Webster and Jody Banim, a new signing from UniBond outfit Hyde United.

Banim showed some skilful touches, but it was Skelmersdale who took the points when on 79 minutes a smart attack was finished comprehensively.

Craig Sargeson saw a screamer go inches over and Jason Heffernan saw a blistering save somehow cleared off the line as Dale tried to salvage a point.