ROSSENDALE 1 LEEK CSOB 1 DALE stuttered in their fourth match in seven days against NWCL Division One strugglers Leek.

Manager Jim McCluskie was forced to reshuffle the pack with the strike force of David Gray and Paul Heavey on the treatment table. And it was as late as the 86th minute before centre back Steve Bird saved Dale's blushes.

Leek performed better than their league position would suggest, but whether an element of fatigue or complacency affected the Dale team play, the visitors were first to the ball in the first period.

However, the only time Leek threatened goalkeeper Mark Andrews was on hand to produce a superb save.

Just as the referee was about to blow for half-time Bird conceded a penalty which Dave Brown scored.

Dale failed to produce the coherent attacking style of play which has contributed to the impressive unbeaten run. It looked like one of those days as chances that had been comprehensively tucked away in recent matches failed to go in.

Gary Rishton's effort somehow stayed out and Craig Sargeson saw an effort skim the bar after a typical jinxy run.

Walsh came on to bluster the attack, local terrior Pattison added bit to midfield.

With the clock ticking away, the anxious home fans saw a succession of Dale corners played strangely to the near post to no effect. Before Lauber got the message and floated over to the back stick where the Bird man made amends by forcing home to share the points.