GT HARWOOD 2 ROSSENDALE 3

ROSSENDALE'S Paul Lynch was controversially sent off in a heated East Lancs derby at Great Harwood.

A strong tackle on Richard Fogarty right in front of the home side's dug-out infuriated Great Harwood boss Denis Underwood and the ref showed the red card.

But ten-man Rossendale fought back to take all three points in the NWCL Divison One clash.

Underwood's strugglers were 1-0 down with minutes of the kick off. Jerome Fitzgerald swung in a corner which slipped through keeper Lee Kennedy's legs after taking a deflection.

Just minutes later Harwood were on level terms through a spot kick after Rossendale keeper Mark Andrews brought down Paul Walker just yards from goal.

Underwood was furious that the keeper wasn't sent off.

Graham Lightbown dispatched the penalty and within minutes Harwood were in front after Shaun Bursnell's run from midfield took him wide of the keeper but he slotted home from a narrow angle.

Ten minutes before the break, Rossendale equalised through Dave Gray after Harwood keeper Kennedy fumbled a tame shot.

Les Thompson had to go off injured after a tackle by Paul Lynch, who was later sent off for a tackle on Richard Fogarty.

Lynch went in hard on Fogarty in front of the home side's dug out and he was duly shown the red card.

But Harwood couldn't capitalise on their advantage and Rossendale took the points when Fitzgerald got his second from a free kick.

Underwood said: "Their supporters were saying I got Lynch sent off but a tackle like that can be dangerous. Richard jumped out of the way but I hate to think what might have happened if he hadn't."

Dale boss Jim McCluskie said: "It wasn't the best of tackles but there were a whole load of them going in that the ref was turning a blind eye to. The fact that it happened in front of their dug-out might have influenced his opinion."