THERE was more drama at Dark Lane than a week of Eastenders as Rossendale bowed out of the FA Cup on penalties.

There were scrambled, injury-time and stunning goals with injuries, a broken leg, extra-time and penalties and 1,043 fans, mostly from the Valley, turned out to witness an incident-packed clash.

In the end, UniBond First Division side Dale were pipped at the post by Premier Division high flyers Barrow who have now secured a fourth qualifying round tie at home to Conference side Chester City.

But despite the rollercoaster ride, the gutting defeat and the loss of £10,000 prize money, the Dale players enjoyed the experience, none more so than two-goal scorer Mark Patterson.

The former Rovers and Bolton midfielder, who has played in the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition with Wanderers, paid his side the highest compliment.

"In 18 years as a professional, the character the boys showed was as good as anything I have known in football. I have never been involved in a game like this. It was full of incident, action-packed and brilliant to play in."

The hero of Dark Lane was 17-year-old goalkeeper Billy Carrington who was the star of Saturday's 1-1 draw at Holker Street and this replay was only his third first team game for Dale. He pulled off a couple of stunning saves and stood up twice after extensive treatment for injuries.

"He certainly took some stick," said Patterson. "He is only a young lad, he commands his area and is a good shot-stopper. He is an exciting prospect."

But boss Jim McCluskie was proud of all his players. "There was so much drama," said the manager. "I have never been involved in a game like it. I'm sure the fans will never see a game like that in the next 100 years.

"But all credit to Barrow. Their boss Kenny Lowe said penalties was an awful way to win - but I would have taken it! But we showed a great deal of character with our never-say-die attitude and we have shown we can compete against Premier League sides."

Barrow opened the scoring in the 14th minute from close range through Mark Hulme.

It was then the Carrington show as the young shot-stopper denied Grant Holt and Nicky Peverell.

Dale looked dangerous from set pieces with Craig Sargeson, David Gray and Steve Cunningham working hard but it was Barrow who could have had the game sewn up when they hit the post forcing Carrington and his defence to scramble the ball away as Barrow appealed it had crossed the goalline.

But on the stroke of half time, winger Gareth Gardner sent in a cross which Patterson fired home.

"I just got across my man, as I've always been told, and took a chance," said the 36-year-old.

After an hour, the visitors once more got their noses in front when Peverell's fierce shot from the edge of the area came off the underside of the crossbar and bounced in.

And things went worse for Dale when Peverell raced through and Steve Bird and Carrington clashed. The game was delayed for ten minutes as Bird was stretchered off with a broken leg and there was almost a second ambulance called for Carrington as it was feared he had also suffered a serious injury.

Instead, he managed to get up and was tested immediately but stood firm.

It seemed over for Dale but the fans hadn't counted on a dramatic finale. In the sixth minute of injury time, sub Ged Walsh found Cunningham who in turn sent top scorer Sargeson through and he slotted the ball home.

And then Dale took the lead for the first time in the tie when, six minutes into extra-time, Patterson got his second from Cunningham's cross.

"I thought that could be it," said McCluskie. "I thought it could be enough."

But Barrow came back when, on 103 minutes, Holt chipped the ball home over Carrington and then clashed into the keeper leaving him winded on the floor.

Another delay but another recovery - although Walsh had to kick the ball for him - and despite a late flurry from Dale, the game went down to spot kicks.

The stage was set for Carrington but Barrow were lethal with their finishing and once Sargeson had missed Dale's first, the visitors always held the advantage.

Darren Bowman, Gardner and Cunningham scored theirs for Dale but there was no need for a fifth as Barrow made it through.

"Craig's penalty-taking record can stand against anybody's," said the gaffer. "He is upset but he got the goals that got us up last season and took us into extra-time. He has nothing to be ashamed of. None of them have. It was a fantastic game to be involved in."

RESULT: ROSSENDALE...3 BARROW...3 (aet)

Rossendale lost 5-3 on penalties