Nantwich 2 Rossendale FC 3

JODY Banim started for the first time alongside Craig Sargeson and both notched as Dale took advantage to go six points clear as their competitors could only kick their heels alongside flooded pitches.

On 12 minutes Cunningham made a surging run to cross and pick out Sargeson's darting run, but as their keeper was picking the ball out of the net the linesman astonished everyone by flagging for offside to deny Dale the opener.

Straight away the home side darted to the other end and slack defending presented Nantwich with a goal.

However, it was not long before an impressive Dale outfit got back on track through the impressive Banim when he evaded two defenders in the box with some excellent control to finish by planting his first Rossendale goal into the top corner on 20 minutes.

Paul Lynch was awesome in midfield to ensure Dale remained in control.

On 26 minutes a Dale corner came out to Gary Rishton and the big defender flighted over a ball to fellow centre back Steve Bird who headed down a delicate ball for Banin to crash home his second.

Dale enforced their superiority on 35 minutes when Sargy got in on the act by sidefooting home to complete a sweet move created by Cunningham.

Jerome Fitzgerald, making a welcome return for the final push after a lengthy ban, made one of his trademark quality runs to set up Sargeson from the opposite flank who saw his effort scrambled off the line.

Although the league leaders failed to increase their lead in the second period they remained in control and further excellent chances as McCluskie's charges demonstrated their will to achieve this season.

As the game progressed the rain-sodden pitch proved increasingly difficult and manager Jim McCluskie decided to save some legs for the remaining games introducing front pair Dave Gray and Paul Heavy with Jamie Webster slotting into midfield.

70 minutes Sargy played a superb crossfield ball from the left flank to Gray and the big striker almost notched with a lob that just went over the bar.

Heavey also went close with a shot on the turn as a buoyant Dale continued forward.

Solid at the back, tenacious in midfield, bristling with invention and goals Dale's title challenge keeps trucking on with a strong squad. The home side scored a second on 89 minutes.