ROSSENDALE'S push for promotion took a heavy hit on Saturday at the hands of relegation-threatened Radcliffe Borough.
Playing against a strong wind and a sloping pitch Rossendale found it hard to clear their lines and for the first 45 minutes the home side pressed forward look-ing to make their advantage pay.
Having said that, Rossendale did have their moments and Phil Eastwood had a good opportunity at the far post when Danny Finch's cross eluded everyone in the defence, but he put his shot wide and high.
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With half an hour gone Radcliffe had a chance to take the lead when a clumsy challenge by Mark Ross was adjudged to be worth a penalty by the referee, but fortunately for Rossendale, Howson's kick hit the bar and went over.
The relief, however, was short-lived as a minute later Connell mis-hit shot from the edge of the box which flew past Bracey in the Rossendale goal giving him no chance and Radcliffe the lead.
With the elements in their favour Rossendale did most of their attacking in the second half and Eastwood and Daniel both went close.
It seemed like it was going to be one of those days when a 35-yard free kick from Dave Eastwood was destined for the top corner of the net only to see Priestley pull off a tremendous save to leave Radcliffe running out winners by the only goal of the game.
Stags chairman Steve Hobson said: "It's very disappointing.
"In fairness to them they're a much better side than their league position.
"We just didn't have that spark that would have got us the goal."
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