ROSSENDALE conceded their first league goal on their travels and it was enough to condemn them to consecutive UniBond First Division defeats for the first time this season.

The game was a scrappy affair with neither side really getting to grips with their passing game, as time and space in midfield was at a premium.

Dale started brightly, troubling a nervous looking Danny Bryant in the Eastood goal with a couple of early crosses.

But it was the home side who has the first real chance, Paul Stubley having his shot blocked as he latched onto a knock down in the box.

Dale were still causing problems down the flanks, Ged Walsh's cross was scrambled clear and Chris Willcocks headed over from Darren Bowman's cross on 25 minutes.

It appeared that Dale were getting on top but Eastwood took the lead on 36 minutes when Mark Frith was allowed all the time he wanted to turn and volley an unstoppable shot passed Mike Allison in the top corner.

The second half started much the same as the first, Mark Patterson swung a cross over in the opening seconds which Bryant fumbled and Denning saw his shot scrambled away by a desperate home defence.

Cunningham was then put in down the left and he cut inside and fired in a low shot which the keeper, with some help from his defence, managed to keep out of his net.

The home side were on the back foot for most of the half but Dale couldn't make anything of good possession around the box, and the defeat could have been worse but for Allison twice denying Johnson in injury time as he came out on top of two, one-on-one situationas.

RESULT: EASTWOOD TOWN...1 ROSSENDALE UNITED...0