Rossendale United were, this time a week ago, just days from the abyss.

The manager had walked out, taken players with him and the infrastructure at Dark Lane was crumbling.

The water supply had been cut off and other utilities seemed set to follow with bills going unpaid and a stark warning from the Vodkat League that the Stags would be expelled from the competition if they did not take to the field against Winsford.

There didn’t seem to be much in the way of hope for the 113-year-old club, but owner Andrew Connolly has put a new manager in place and in former Stag and Chorley man Chris Brookes he could have unearthed a gem.

Brookes has a schoolboy – like enthusiasm for his new job and a team of players turning out for free – and while there is much work to do between now and the end of the season, the upturn in fortunes could have started on Saturday afternoon.

The omens were not good ahead of the game as the Stags tackled a Winsford side intent on promotion but their enthusiasm and spirit - and no shortage of style - shone through as they earned a breathless 4-4 draw to delight a decent crowd.

And while Ashton Athletic’s shock win over Squires Gate dropped the Stags to the foot of the table, United appear to be heading in the right direction.

Just eight minutes had gone when they took the lead in glorious style as they took the lead to delight Brookes.

Josh Bardsley chased and won a lost cause on the right and found Danny Ellis, whose delicious cross to take out both centre backs was met on the volley by Bradley Howard.

Steve Burke and Jamie Rother went through shortly afterwards but failed to convert and United paid the price when Chris Brandon levelled for Winsford.

Brandon also hit post and bar before Ryan Stewart finished well for 2-1.

Brandon made it 3-1 to the visitors by the break and it appeared as though the game was up.

But Stags skipper Jamie Baguley made it 3-2 from the penalty spot to give Rossy hope.

However, those hopes seemed dashed when Lee Jones hit Winsford’s fourth 15 minutes from time.

But Rossendale under Brookes have incredible spirit and Burke made it 4-3 four minutes from time after breaking clear.

It seemed as though they would have to settle for gallant defeat but in stoppage time Grant Spensor rounded off a smart passing move to shoot the Stags level.

It was dramatic stuff - and now for Rossendale the only way is up.