ROSSENDALE scored their first goal of 2004 to earn their first point of the new year.

But they had to battle against a Farsley Celtic side who dominated the first half, with Andy Watson testing Dale keeper Mark Andrews early on while Roy Stamer should have done better with a great chance at the far post but he blazed high and wide.

Andy Shields had two more attempts on Andrews' goal before Mark Bett gave Farsley a deserved lead on 28 minutes with a header from a corner.

It could have been a lot worse for the Valley side with Stamer curling another effort just wide, while Andrews produced a magnificent save to tip James Knowles' goal-bound effort onto the post.

Stamer tested Andrews again at the start of the second half before Dale finally managed to get a foothold in the game. Brian Welch went close with a spectacular effort from a tight angle, but it was the introduction of Simon Burton which gave the home side the lift they needed.

His extra height caused the visitors problems and some desperate defending prevented Phil Lockett from getting on to one of the striker's headers as he seemed certain to score.

Farsley still looked dangerous on the break with Bett twice going close to extending the lead, but they were made to regret those wasted chance with 17 minutes remaining.

Lockett drifted in a deep free kick and Matt Woods' looping header somehow found its way over the despairing dive of Tom Morgan and into the net.

Blake Norton had a good chance to give Dale the lead but he pulled his shot wide when sent clear.

Lockett then received his marching orders for a wild kick at Farsley's Annan, with the visiting full back fortunate to only receive a booking.

ROSSENDALE UNITED...1

FARSLEY CELTIC...1