ROSSENDALE cruised into the quarter-finals of the Unibond League Challenge Cup with a comprehensive victory over Premier Division Lancaster City.

Dale adapted to the freezing conditions and strong wind far better than their opponents, who can have no complaints about the final score.

Dale took the lead as early as the fifth minute. Carl Stamford's low shot was parried by Thornley, and Darren Hughes reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.

Stung into action, the visitors went in search of an equaliser and Kilbane should have done better with a free header, but he missed the target from a deep free kick.

Stamford was having his best game in a Rossendale shirt, and he set up Craig Sargeson, pictured left, with a clever lobbed pass and it was only a last-ditch block from Mercer that prevented the striker from doubling the lead.

The second arrived seven minutes before the break. Stamford was sent clear and he thumped the ball across the keeper into the bottom right hand corner to register his first goal for the club.

Dale started the second half well on top. Thornley saved well from Hughes, Williams had an effort blocked and the keeper raced out to clear from the feet of Sageson as he raced through on goal.

Lancaster were given a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining, Graeme Atkinson converting from the penalty spot, but any Dale worries were eased just three minutes later as Hughes latched on to Gary Williams miss-hit shot to restore the two-goal cushion.

Hughes could have had his hat trick but fired narrowly wide after a jinking run in the penalty area.

The result was put beyond doubt in the 84th minute, Chris Brooks broke free to fire home from the edge of the box and it was nearly five, veteran Bryan Griffiths supplying a lovely cross for fellow debutant Brian Burns, but his header hit the bar.

ROSSENDALE UTD...4

LANCASTER CITY...1