Double hunters Rossendale savour title success

Unbeaten Rossendale romped to the Division Two title with 21 wins from 23 games in an outstanding season that could end up being a league and cup double.

They beat Garstang Reserves 3-0 on Saturday at Marl Pits to get the party started in front of a healthy crowd as they notched their 100th goal of a remarkable league campaign.

And Davis said the close-knit nature of the players was the key to their success – after Covid denied them promotion in the last two years.

“The lads are all from Rossendale and all live within a mile of each other and are a great bunch,” beamed Davis, a former left-back with Haslingden, Rossendale United, Nelson and Bacup.

“They all go out together on a Saturday night and all enjoy playing in the same team. I brought them together and I give my input but this is largely down to them. They’re a credit to the club and each other.

“No one spits their dummy out if they don’t start. There’s no sulking. There’s no bad eggs.

"To get such a harmony in the team doesn’t happen very often and it’s been a joy to be part of.”

Davis, who is now eyeing an unbeaten end to the season, will have chance to lift more silverware if they can overcome Kendal United in the Challenge Cup Final on May 2 at Euxton.

Their success has been built on the goals of former Padiham and Ramsbottom marksman Tom Hulme, who has plundered 29 goals this season, and young captain Adam McInnes who has been an ever present in a defence that has only conceded 13 goals.

Davis said: “Tom has been at North West Counties level but he’s happy here. That’s the environment we’ve built here over last few years. He looks like a student then you see him on the pitch and you think ‘wow!’

“Adam is the quietest lad you will ever meet but I can’t explain how good he’s been, he’s an unbelievable player.

"He’s 23 now and I made him captain when he was 20 – he’s unassuming but there’s something about him when he crosses that white line. A real leader.

“They’ve all been outstanding and I’m really pleased for them all. But we want to go the season unbeaten and win the cup. That would cap it off brilliantly.”

Chairman Peter Connolly said: “The whole season has been magnificent – I was at the two games we didn’t win and we should have!

“Ray organises them so well and they have stayed together despite past seasons being ruined by Covid.

"Players could have easily dripped away but they haven’t and it’s just been so enjoyable from start to finish.”