Rossendale close month in fine style

FOLLOWING on from a midweek 3-0 victory over Charnock Richard Res, Rossendale signed off a successful August with a 2-0 victory away at Freckleton FC.

The stags are now unbeaten still this season with six wins and one draw from their opening seven fixtures of a busy August schedule and lie in 2nd place in the table 2 points behind leaders Walney Island FC.

Freckleton who were in 3rd place going into the match and had only lost one game in the lead up to the fixture looked like they could be a difficult proposition for the Stags, but it was quite the opposite as Rossendale were far too strong for the home side.

Conditions were tough in 25 degree heat, the pitch was very bobbly making it hard for Rossendale to get the ball on the floor and pass it around.

Nonetheless the stags adapted well and early on took the lead when Luke simpson drilled home from the left hand side of the area following a scramble in the six yard box.

Minutes later and the stags thought they had doubled the lead when Scott Wylie lifted the ball over the Freckleton keeper, with the defender scrambling back he cleared the ball which was already ver the line but the referee didn’t give it and so it stayed at 1-1.

Rossendale continued to pepper the Freckleton goalkeeper who put in an outstanding performance eventually getting the man of the match award.

Tom Hulme went through but couldn’t beat him and then Jordon Hilton found himself one on one, but a heavy first touch meant he couldn’t regain control before the Keeper dashed out to clear.

Into the second half and Rossendale to continued to press but there was always a danger if they didn’t extend their lead that the home side would hit them with a sucker punch and undeservedly take something from the game.

Tom Hulme again found the keeper hard to beat as he was put through one on one, but couldn’t finish much to the away sides frustration.

Freckleton did have a rare chance at goal when a cross was whipped in from the right wing but the striker who was unmarked and simply had to direct his header on target fluffed his lines and headed over the bar.

That was a massive warning shot for Rossendale and into the last 15 minutes right back Darryl Holland picked up the ball and drove forward hurdling a couple of Freckleton players like Sally Gunnell in the 1992 olympics, before being upended in the box for a penalty.

Up stepped Scott Wylie but his penalty was saved by the Freckleton number one to deny Rossendale once more.

With minutes to go Rossendale did manage another goal, Wylie this time finished well as he was put through and lifted the ball over the keeper to finally put the visitors at ease and enable them to see the game out without too many nerves.

This Saturday the stags are at home looking to kick off September with another win and keep the unbeaten record going as they host Furness Cavaliers FC for a 3pm start at Marl Pits, all support is welcome.