Rossendale United 1 Clitheroe 4

DALE came crashing down to earth with a bang as arch-rivals Clitheroe ended their unbeaten run in emphatic style in front of a bumper crowd at Dark Lane last night .

Blues boss Steve Parry admitted the pressure was building on him and his re-shaped side after a series of indifferent results in the run-up to this clash.

But a second half super-show should have banished doubts about the quality of his side as Clitheroe won at a canter.

"It was very important to win because one or two people had started to doubt us a little bit," said Parry.

"But it was a great win and the manner in which we did it was impressive.

"We've got something to build on now."

The visitors made the best possible start when Andy Taylor ghosted in to head powerfully past keeper Darryl Sloane in the sixth minute.

Craig Sargeson hit back within five minutes for Dale, though, pouncing on a rebound after Jim McCluskie's shot came back off a post.

The home side shaded the rest of the half but six minutes after the break the Blues were back in front when Dale defender Simon O'Brien headed over his own keeper under pressure from Brian Welch.

Parry's men increased their lead through a rasping drive from Carl Greenwood on 65 minutes.

And, to cap a miserable night for the home side, keeper Sloane was sent off 15 minutes from time after hauling down Dave Gray in the box and Dennis Hill confidently dispatched the penalty.

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