On a bitterly cold afternoon, Rossendale produced a battling performance at Dark Lane to upset high-flying league leaders AFC Halifax Town, who were on a run of seven consecutive victories.

The first-half was, in the main, a midfield battle and the Stags defence restricted Halifax to a few half-chances which were easily dealt with but Ben Proctor, in the Rossendale goal, did produce an outstanding save to prevent Ashley Scott giving the visitors a half-time lead.

Halifax started the second-half in a determined mood but United weathered the storm and gradually began to get into the game with both Williams and Ward on the wings creating problems for their respective full backs.

Phil Eastwood’s men scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute when Kevin Brown had a shot blocked on the edge of the box. But the ball ran to Tom Williams, whose cross was met perfectly by Kris Atkinson and he guided his header past the Halifax keeper.

Halifax pressed forward looking for the equaliser but, even with four minutes additional time being allowed by the referee, they were not able to break down a resolute Stags defence.