WITH ambitious Dale team playing against a top six team, this should really have been a game to savour.

But in truth, the FNWTL Division One match did little to warm the fans in the Arctic-like conditions.

Jon Borland making a tentative return after three weeks out but he suffered a recurrence during the match and had to be replaced.

Dale looked the most likely to score in a drab first half and Borland went close with a header as the visitors fought for the vital breakthrough.

It was eight minutes into the second period when Gary Laird got what proved to be the winner after a St Helens free kick gave him the chance to head home in a congested goalmouth.

Although United lifted the tempo, they were unable to draw level, although there were opportunities - Craig Sargeson fed Steve Cunningham, but he was denied by a super save from the home keeper, and Danny Heys crashed another effort against the bar.

In the last minute, a free kick from Heys just eluded a sliding captain Ged Walsh and the points were lost.

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