AFTER a stuttering last few matches which threatened to spoil a largely successful season, Dale got back on track to record a win against no-nonsense Skelmersdale.

This win now puts some spice into tonight's final game against Mossley, with the winners able to claim a creditable third behind Vauxhall and perennial runners-up Newcastle.

Dale fielded a more recognisable team, although carrying the inevitable end of season injuries and strains, and were able to record a double success against the competitive visitors.

Centre back Ged Walsh opened the scoring on 37 minutes when a lose ball from a Rossendale corner found him on the edge of the box, where he drove home an unstoppable shot.

Four minutes later a good midfield ball from Matt Knowles found Craig Sargeson, and the Rossendale hotshot fired home his 39th of the season leaving him requiring two goals in the last game to top the scoring list.

Dale benefited when the ref over-ruled the linesman who indicated a penalty against Dale and then, in the last minute of the first period, the home side survived a free kick in the box after Andrews picked up a Walsh backpass.

Four minutes after the restart a Skelmersdale defender slid in on the edge of the box where the ball was driven against a Rossendale defender and a penalty was awarded.

The match petered out without many incidents with both defences in charge.

With 10 minutes to go, full back Matt Raywood who again had a good game attacking down the flank, withdrew with a hamstring problem.

In addition, Dale beefed up midfield with the introduction of Jamie Smith and Vinny Pattison.

However, Skelmersdale spurned a good chance to share the points when captain Loughlin headed wide of an empty goal.

The second team suffered an away defeat at Clitheroe going down 4-1 in their last match of the season.