A GOOD solid workmanlike performance from Dale, similar to their previous win at Mossley brought three points against championship contenders Skelmersdale.

Playing in freezing conditions, Dale recovered from an early fright when the home side hit the post after just four minutes.

However, they gradually gained control and looked the most likely to open their account with Jed Walsh controlling things well at the back.

Matt Knowles battled hard in midfield and man of the match Jim McCluskie played the perfect target man's role up front.

Dale's first goal arrived when the persistent McCluskie won the ball in midfield and laid it out to Cunningham whose shot was parried by the keeper only for Craig Sargeson to nip in and tuck the ball home.

Lack of control by the referee led to a period of rash challenges from both sides which spoiled play up to the interval.

The visitors made a super start to the second period and after just four minutes Jerome Fitzgerald, making a return from injury, whipped in a perfect cross from the byline for Sargeson to head home his second.

The home side were now deflated but were unable to make any headway with their shots going disappointingly wide of goal.

McCluskie deserved a goal for all his unselfish play, and it came in the final minute and was the goal of the match after great interplay between the front two.

McCluskie burst through, laid off to Sargeson on the edge of the box, who slipped past two defenders to take the return ball and drive home to send the frozen travelling fans home happy.

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