ROSSENDALE competed well with their opponents for 70 minutes, but a missed penalty cost them dearly as Bamber Bridge ran out comfortable winners.

The first half was played in a torrential downpour, both sides found it difficult to adapt to the tricky conditions.

It took 12 minutes for the first real attempt at goal, Burton beating Horridge to a cross but heading over.

He made amends just two minutes later finishing a great move with a superb downward header.

The lead lasted just six minutes, Jerome Fitzgerald firing home a trademark free kick into the bottom left hand corner on 20 minutes.

Chances remained limited as the pitch began to hold water making passing difficult, but the best one fell to Bird who headed over from a corner when he should have hit the target.

The second half started in fine weather, both sides knocking the ball about well. A super move down the right involving Cunningham, Knowles and Sargeson almost led to Gray being put in but the ball just missed the onrushing forward.

Another move down the right saw Sargeson finish from close range following good work from Gray only for a debatable linesman's flag ruling the goal out.

The turning point came on 67 minutes. Gray was brought down in the area, but Sargeson put the penalty wide of the goal.

Just two minutes later it was 2-1 to Bamber Bridge, the number 12 finishing from close range. The visitors took over from that point and a freak third, Horridge smashing a clearance against an oncoming forward, and the ball flying past him into the net.

He made amends five minutes later with a magnificent save to keep the score down.

Dale's next game is at home against Burscough on Saturday.