PAUL Lynch's managerial reign at Rossendale United got off to a flying start with a well deserved victory at Stocksbridge.

The Yorkshire side were unbeaten on their home patch prior to Saturday, and after an even first 45 minutes, they were blown away by some superb attacking football from the Dark Lane side.

Dale had five players making their debut's, Steve Cunningham, Matt Houldsworth and Gary Williams all returning to the club, while new signings Neil Reynolds and Chris Whittingham made impressive starts after joining from Clitheroe.

It was Williams who opened the scoring after 10 minutes latching on to a clearance to thump the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the box.

The lead lasted just nine minutes, Darren Brookes volleying the home side level from 20 yards and from that point both sides played some neat football but ran out of ideas at the final ball stage.

After the break, Dale took the game by the scruff of the neck, Reynolds and Greg Challender took control of midfield, with Whittingham and Doni Clarke causing a constant threat down either flank.

Four minutes into the half Dale retook the lead, Reynolds hammering a shot from 25 yards into the top corner leaving Richard Siddall grasping at thin air.

Challender missed a great chance to double the lead, heading straight at Siddall, but the introduction of returning fans favourite Cunningham on the hour added that extra attacking threat and within five minutes he made it three from close range following a superb cross from Clarke.

At the other end, keeper Matt Taylor was doing his bit to preserve the lead producing a fine save to tip over Peter Knox's effort with 15 minutes to go, as a rare Stocksbridge attack broke through the solid Dale defence.

The fourth United goal arrived on 77 minutes. Clarke looked to have been fouled in the area, ad as the referee waved away appeals for a penalty the ball broke to Cunningham and his pin point cross was nodded home by Chris Brooks from 10 yards.

Andy Ring pulled a goal back for the home side with a couple of minutes remaining but Dale played out the final moments to record their first points on their travels this season.

STOCKSBRIDGE PS...2 ROSSENDALE UNITED...4