ROSSENDALE's cup exploits came to an end at the International Stadium against a very strong Premier Division outfit.

Gateshead had suffered just one reverse in 2003 and had thrashed Premier Division leaders Accrington Stanley on their own patch, so defeat was no disgrace.

Dale had started brightly, looking at ease in the opening quarter of an hour and it was Gateshead keeper John Kennedy who was called into action early on, cutting out Ged Smith's cross just in front of Craig Sargeson.

Unfortunately, any chance Dale had of reaching the Unibond Challenge Cup disappeared in a 17-minute spell midway through the first half.

Three goals, all from free headers, effectively ended the tie as the Tynesiders took full advantage of some slack marking in the Dale defence.

Keith Douglas was the first to benefit on 16 minutes, heading home unchallenged from eight yards. David Colvin scored the second 11 minutes later, his weak effort somehow evading keeper Mark Andrews to creep in the corner and William Moat grabbed the third from six yards on 35 minutes.

There was little change in the second half as the home side pressed forward looking to increase their lead. Gareth McAlindon shot over on the turn and James Wilkinson did well to block a shot from Douglas at the back post.

Dale almost pulled a goal back on the hour when Kennedy took a wild swing at the back pass, missing it completely only for the ball to bobble wide to safety. Lee Buggie then had a header cleared off the line.

Colvin should have added a fourth for Gateshead with 20 minutes to go but missed a sitter from eight yards. He made amends 10 minutes later, however, as he raced clear to hammer the ball past Andrews from 15 yards.

The Dale keeper prevented a fifth with a superb full length save from Moat at the death so Dale could at least say they conceded one less than Stanley at the International Stadium this season.

Rossendale manager Jim McBride said: "They were the better team. It wasn't that we played badly, they were just too good for us on the day.

"The lads were disappointed to lose on Saturday, but you don't mind so much when you've been beaten by the better team.

"Gateshead have improved since the last time we played them so we had no complaints really.

"You always want to get to cup finals, but our league position is more important."

And the Dark Lane outfit turn their attentions to securing their Unibond First Division status tonight when they travel to Leek Town.

"After beating Stocksbridge PS last Saturday we need to try to get as many points as we can and get a run going," McBride said.

"We know enough about Leek to suggest it's going to be a tough game tonight, especially on their own pitch.

"But we'll got there in good spirits after the Stocksbridge game."

GATESHEAD ...4 ROSSENDALE UTD ...0