Stags hold their own against lofty rivals

WITHOUT a league fixture on Saturday Rossendale took on Premier League 2nd place team Euxton Villa on the 4G pitch at Ashton College Preston, and the team put in a superb all round performance to come away with a creditable goalless draw.

With players injured or away there were only twelve 1st team players available.

Chances were few and far between in the first period but Rossendale gave as good as they got going forward and on several occasions caused the Euxton defence problems without managing to breach the Euxton goal.

Going the other way, the Rossendale defence stood firm against the Euxton attack and the nearest they came in the 1st period was a header from a corner that hit the crossbar and away for a goal kick.

The second half started the same as the first with Rossendale’s quick passing game causing problems for the hosts defence, but as the half went on Euxton quickened up their play but once again the resolute Stags defence kept them at bay, the only real shot on target from Euxton in the second period brought a great save from keeper McLaughlin.

Rossendale could have pinched the win in the final moments when

Tom Hulme just failed to wrap his foot around the ball when free at the back post.

A much better performance from the Stags this week after last week’s lack luster display, the fitness levels and the way they approached the game were back to their best, and the team were worthy of finishing the match on level terms against their high flying hosts.

Rossendale return to league action on Saturday looking for another three points in their quest for promotion when they travel to Cumbria to play Furness Rovers (LA14 5UQ) the match kicks off at 2pm.