Rossendale United 4 Chadderton 1

THIS convincing victory for the Dark Lane men lifted them away from the NWCL First Division bottom slot last night.

"It was brilliant. To be honest, we played a bad side last night, but we have played a few similar ones this season and come away with nothing," said manager Micky Graham.

Newly-signed Darren Maloney - who had scored for Glossop North End against Rossendale last week - gave the home side the lead after just 10 minutes. His 25-yard shot was well off target until a defender intervened to deflect it into his own net.

Ian Curwen really made his presence felt with a volley from 15 yards midway through the first half, but the visitors quickly snatched a goal back when United failed to clear their lines at the back.

Forward Denny Khan restored the two-goal advantage when he slotted the ball under the keeper from 10 yards to make the half-time score 3-1. Rossendale were playing some of their best football of the season now, and on the hour, brave Curwen got his head to a Khan cross to loop the ball over the advancing keeper.

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