Cheadle Town 3 Rossendale United 3

ROSSENDALE needed all three points to keep any hopes of catching second club Newcastle Town alive but had to settle for a point in FNWTL Division One.

Rossendale fought back from two goals down to almost steal all three points but it was a lacklustre performance from the one-time promotion contenders.

Cheadle had lost the last five games and Rossendale seemed on course for victory when top scorer Craig Sargeson converted a penalty after being upended in the box on 19 minutes.

But Cheadle came back and equalised seven minutes later before Sean Bursnell turned the ball into his own net just after the restart to give Town the lead.

One minute later and a lack of defensive concentration allowed Cheadle to take a two goal lead. Dale boss Mickey Graham introduced subs Matt Knowles, Matt Houldsworth and Steve Sutcliffe and Rossendale at last found their feet.

Jamie Smith headed home a Raywood cross on 67 minutes then Steve Cunnngham scored the equaliser with five minutes remaining. Vinnie Patison and Cunningham came close to scoring the winner in the final minutes.