The curse of the north east struck again when Rossendale lost for the second time this season to Durham.

Having lost earlier in the season to Newcastle Blue Star, the Stags must be grateful that trips to that part of the country are over for this year.

On Durham’s artificial pitch, Rossendale were always going to find it difficult against a team that were used to the surface.

Durham played extremely good attacking football and, with very quick mobile frontmen, Rossendale’s defence knew they were in for a tough time.

For the first 45 minutes, Rossendale gave as good as they got and early long range efforts by Richard Watson, Tom Williams and James Heywood were just wide of the mark.

It was Durham, however, who scored the only goal of the half when a corner from the left was drilled in low and hard and it evaded everyone in the box except Calvin Smith at the far post, who gave debutant keeper Ben Proctor no chance from close range.

In the 59th minute, John Toft headed in a second goal for the home side.

United continued to try and play good football, but Gavin Cogdon ensured the home side got their points with two well taken goals.