NOT many clubs celebrate a 7-2 defeat in the way Rossendale United did last night.

But the scoreline was incidental as the club welcomed a strong Manchester United side and a crowd of more than 1,000 to Dark Lane for an end-of-season friendly.

"It was a fantastic turn-out," said Rossendale director Steve Hobson. "United were professional and played really well, they didn't just treat it like a meaningless friendly."

Kieron Richardson and Danny Pugh were two of the Red Devils with first team experience in a game played in memory of late Rossendale supporter David Taylor.

The home team's goalscorers were Jerome Fitzgerald and Ian Barker.

Meanwhile, Jim McCluskie, who led the club to the North West Counties League championship during his first spell in charge in 2001, departed following last night's friendly.

Two wins in his final week as a caretaker boss guided Dale to their highest UniBond Division One position since September on Saturday, finishing in 15th.

Although finishing below 14th is unlikely to earn them a place in the newly-structured UniBond Premier next season, McCluskie is happy with the way he hauled his side up the table in the final few weeks.

"As far as I'm concerned I've come in to do what I said I would do and be caretaker until the end of the season," said McCluskie.

"I would have liked to have got us in the top 13 or 14 but we've given it a good go.

"I've got a good relationship with the people here and it's been totally amicable but I do feel that it's given me my enthusiasm back and really enjoyed the last couple of months.

"But I've been playing and managing at Rossendale of the last four or five seasons and need a new challenge."