BOTH sides put on a super show as they retained their unbeaten records at Dark Lane and it could have been even better for Dale but for a late equaliser from their Yorkshire opponents, Ossett Town.

Gareth Gardiner again caused mayhem on the right and the first real chance fell to Craig Sargeson on 10 minutes, who volleyed just wide of the post.

Lambert then fired over for Ossett from just 12 yards.

Gardiner again fired in a deep cross on 23 minutes which hit the far post and bounced out to Heffernan, who saw his shot tipped over the bar.

The best move of the game saw Darren Bowman and Gardiner linking well down the right. Bowman's cross was met by a flying header from Mark Patterson, who saw the ball thump the post.

The opening goal came just before half-time. Steve Bird powered a header in off the post from eight yards, giving the keeper no chance.

Ossett came out with more determination after the break and Mark Andrews made a save from Beaumont at his near post to keep Dale in front.

On 63 minutes Sargeson had a shot cleared off the line after super work from Patterson and the following scramble saw the forward brought down in the box, but no penalty was given.

Ossett bombarded the Rossendale goal for the final 15 minutes and eventually equalised with just three minutes left when Jackson volleyed home a right wing cross, giving Andrews no chance.

RESULT: ROSSENDALE UTD...1 OSSETT TOWN...1