ROSSENDALE crashed to another defeat at Dark Lane last night, as lowly Workington became the latest club to take advantage of their woeful home form.

It's now four months since Dale registered a UniBond First Division victory on their home ground, and the side's form will have to improve dramatically if they are to grab a play-off place.

Dale set off the better side, Jerome Fitzgerald forcing Wolfe in the Workington goal into a good save, then Matt Houldsworth and Chris Clarke both went close with long-range efforts.

Despite early pressure it was Workington who took the lead on 23 minutes. A long punt forward was misjudged by the Dale defence, Brian Dawson picked up the ball and rounded Mark Andrews to score.

Dale continued to have the better of the chances after the interval, but the visitors always looked threatening on the break.

A couple of inswinging Gareth Gardiner corners were scrambled clear, before a third was flicked on by Dave Gardiner for Chris Scott to volley home from close range to equalise on the hour.

Workington should have re-taken the lead just two minutes later, but Wharton headed wide with an open goal at his mercy.

Ennis then rattled the Dale bar from 25 yards. And Matt Houldsworth produced a superb block tackle to prevent Irving from scoring.

Paul Lynch went close for Dale when he thumped the crossbar from 20 yards, but it was the visitors who scored the decisive goal with eight minutes remaining.

A defensive mix-up allowed the ball to run free and Mike Hodgson had the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net.

As Dale searched for an equaliser, both Gary Rishton and Gareth Gardiner were denied by Wolfe in the closing stages, and the visitors held on for three vital points in their fight against relegation.

ROSSENDALE UTD...1 WORKINGTON...2

ROSSENDALE will be hoping for better fortune when they travel to Spennymoor United, who are charging up the table, on Saturday.