ROSSENDALE's mini revival came to an end with a narrow defeat against an excellent Spennymoor side.

The visitors were much bigger in height and physical presence and they used that to their advantage, winning the midfield battle and proving a constant threat from set pieces.

Both sides created early chances, Dale keeper John Gillies blocked Steve Preen's effort, while at the other end Jason Heffernan's delicate chip drifted just wide of the post.

Stuart Brightwell was at the heart of everything Spennymoor created and after he had spurned one opportunity, he opened the score on 27 minutes with a low drive at the near post after the Dale defence had failed to clear a free kick.

Dale started the second half with a bang. Carl Stamford saw his shot hit a post then Adrian Swan blocked another shot from the big striker. The equaliser arrived just three minutes after the break, Craig Sargeson scoring his fifth goal in seven games with a close range header.

It took the visitors just two minutes to regain their advantage. Chris Fitzsimmons misjudged a long through ball and Preen took advantage by slotting the ball past the advancing Gillies.

Danny Heys and Sargeson both had shots blocked, while Kevin Holliday's shot from the edge of the box was tipped over the bar by Swan as Dale pressed for an equaliser, but the visitors held on to claim all three points.

ROSSENDALE UTD...1 SPENNYMOOR UTD 2