A MUCH-changed Rossendale United picked up their first win of the year and only their third of the season after an excellent win at Salford.

And with a little more calmness in front of goal, the Stags could easily have won by more.

Jack Higgins wasted an early chance, firing a Tom Clarkson free kick just over the bar but Dale took the lead in the 21st minute when Tom Smith latched on to a through ball and fired threw the legs of the advancing Scott Tynan in the Salford goal.

The second half began with Salford all out for the equaliser and Dale keeper Tom Brocklehurst parried a long-range effort and reacted first to smother the ball and the chance was gone.

But with Smith on one flank and Danny Ellis on the other, Rossendale continued to create chances and it was only a matter of time before they scored a second goal.

And with 20 minutes remaining, they doubled their lead when Ellis reacted quickest to fire home Smith’s corner which had hit the post.

Dale had several chances to put the game well out of Salford’s reach, Ellis twice denied by Tynan in the Salford goal when clean through.

The home team piled on the pressure in the final 10 minutes but the Rossendale defence held firm and finished up good value for three welcome points.