Rossendale Utd 3 Trafford 4

ROSSENDALE completed their first season back in Unibond League football with another home defeat. It was a game that was typical of the club's home form all season. Well on top at half time, but collapsing after the break, to throw away vital points.

This time it was Trafford's turn to capitalise, as Dale's defence decided to start their end of season party half an hour early, and allowed the visitors to win the game despite trailing 3-1 at half time.

Both sides had early chances, the best falling to Trafford's Franny McMahon before three goals in three minutes brought the game to life.

Craig Sargeson headed Dale into the lead at the back post, before Dean Butterworth was allowed two attempts to equalise. Jerome Fitzgerald restored Dale's lead with a thumping header, and Chris Brooks was unlucky with a long range effort which was well saved by Ryan McMahon in the Trafford goal.

The third arrived just before the break. Fitzgerald sent in a low cross which Darren Bowman got on the of and fired home from 12 yards.

The turning point came five minutes into the second half. Ged Walsh rose highest for a free kick only to see his header bounce back off the crossbar.

Within 20 minutes of Walsh's header, Trafford were in front as the Dale back line just melted away. Phil Baylis scored the visitors second on 61 minutes, and Peter Weston got the equaliser just five minutes later. Baylis scored the fourth with 20 minutes left before Dale woke up and tried for an equaliser.

Walsh pulled a shot wide and Carl Howarth was prevented from scoring with a last ditch clearance. The best effort saw Dave Gardiner latch onto Walsh's knock down but his shot on the turn was well saved.