Rossendale 1 Atherton LR 1

LACKLUSTRE Rossendale now face a fight for runners up spot in the FNWTL First Division after failing to kill off rock-bottom Atherton at Dark Lane.

With leaders Vauxhall winning at Clitheroe, the league title now appears to be out of United's reach and they face a fight with Newcastle for second spot.

Dale have stuttered this season against teams from lower down the division and once again they disappointed against already relegated LR.

Despite the rantings of manager Micky Graham, United never got out of first gear.

With a Cup Final and League clash coming up this week against Vauxhall, Graham rotated his team leaving Jim McCluskie on the bench and resting Matt Raywood and Jerome Fitzgerald.

However, when Matty Knowles left the field through injury, McCluskie was sent on to gee up the team with Steve Cunningham moving back to midfield but the home side were still unable to get any resemblance of their game together.

Atherton scored first on 27 minutes when Barry Massey beat the offside trap to evade Mark Andrews and clip home.

Only a desperate goal-line clearance from Ged Walsh prevented LR from doubling their lead before Jamie Smith put Dale back on level terms a minute before the break with a well-directed header from a corner.

In the second half, United supporters screamed in vain for a penalty after Dennis Hill collapsed under a heavy challenge in the box.

But Dale's best chance of taking all three points came in the last minute.

McCluskie turned neatly in the box before slamming a shot against the bar and Jason Heffernan's follow up header hit the woodwork.