ROSSENDALE may crash out of the Worthington Challenge Trophy after fielding an ineligible player.

It took extra-time goals from David Gray and Pat Lauber to win the game but it looks likely to be NWCL Division Two side Padiham who will face Kidsgrove Athletic in the next round after Darren Norman came off the bench for Dale.

"It was an oversight by our secretary," admitted Dale boss Jim McCluskie. "Darren played for us at the start of the season but went to Clitheroe and was released about two weeks ago.

"All the stuff got faxed through but we needed to give seven days on the player. I thought it was okay and was unaware.

"The league secretary was at the game and pointed it out to our secretary.

"I brought Darren on around the hour mark. It would have been okay if I hadn't used him as I think they have to enter the field of play.

"We are bitterly disappointed and I'm sure Padiham wouldn't have wanted to go through this way.

"We stood a good chance of progressing but as a manager you live and learn. We will be looking to see if we can appeal but to be honest it will be difficult."

Graham Howarth's Padiham made the Division One side fight all the way for their victory in the first round tie at the Arbories, taking the game into extra-time before finally succumbing to the two late goals.

Gray headed Rossendale ahead in the 101st minute from a corner -- his 14th goal of the season -- and then with virtually the last kick of the match Patrick Lauber converted a penalty kick given for hand ball to make it 2-0.

The Storks are awaiting official confirmation that under the Challenge Cup competition rules Rossendale will be disqualified from the competition.

Meanwhile, Dale are hoping the Manager of the Month curse won't strike for a third time.

Since McCluskie picked up the award, Dale's unbeaten 16-match run has been halted, they lost to Brigg Town in the FA Vase and now look likely to be out of the Worthington Challenge Trophy.

They travel to Conference side Leigh RMI in the Marsden Trophy tomorrow night.

"I think it is the Manager of the month curse! But hopefully it won't strike again and the game against Leigh should be a real bench mark for us," said the boss.

"I've played in the Conference and I think a few of my players are capable of playing at that level, so we'll see how we equip ourselves."