Race for second
Rossendale picked up the pace and regained the lead on 21 minutes when Tom Hulme picked up the ball on the left at the halfway line he kept going and going forward past defenders into the area and fired the ball home for a great solo effort.
Rossendale held the lead until half time.
The visitors started the second half strongly, forcing several early corners and throw-ins, and on 53 minutes a long Joe Haworth throw-in was headed over the keeper’s hands by Sam Moriarty into the net to open up a two goal gap.
The expected Hawcoat collapse didn’t materialize and they got stuck in to their task of reducing the arrears.
On 64 minutes they were given a helping hand when a hasty clearance from keeper McLaughlin was picked up 25 yards out by a Hawcoat player. He played in a striker who fired across goal, the ball hitting the post and flying up in the air where another striker headed home.
The last 30 minutes was all hands on deck from the whole team as they hung on to take all three points back down the M6.
The win took Rossendale level on points with a game in hand with second place Hesketh Bank, whose game was abandoned due to a serious leg injury to an Eagley player who couldn’t be moved until the ambulance arrived.
The fixtures get a lot worse for Rossendale as they face four games in just seven days starting last night – Thursday 27th – with the Richardson Cup Final against Chew Moor Brook at County Ground Leyland (PR25 2LF).
Entry Fee £6 Adults and £3 for Concessions. the match kicks off at 7.30 PM.
Just 36 hours later they make the 200-mile round trip to face Millom (LA18 4PG) this match kicks off at 3PM.
Bank Holiday Monday they return to Marl Pits for a local derby against Haslingden St Mary’s 3PM kick off.
Two days later they travel to play Croston Sports (PR26 9RR) this match kicks off at 7PM.