JON Macken's appointment as Radcliffe FC manager had an instant impact on Saturday when the Evo-Stik North strugglers won 4-1 at home to Skelmersdale United.

The former Manchester City and Preston striker did not take a place in the dugout, choosing to take notes in the stand instead.

But the players, who had lost six of their opening seven matches, responded with a best display of the season as they bid to catch the eye of their new boss.

Macken, who is also a coach at Oldham Athletic, was unveiled by chairman Paul Hilton before the match as replacement for previous manager Joe Gibbons, who left my mutual consent on Wednesday.

Hilton said in a statement: “For the club to be able to attract a manager of such high profile is a real coup.

"It was clear to us when we met Jon that he shares the ambition and drive to succeed that we the board do and is a genuine football man.

“It is a real honour to welcome Jon on board and we look forward to a successful future together.”

Boro were given a helping hand to get off the mark, with Skelmersdale's Jonathan Crane misjudging an attempted backpass to score in his own net.

Macken's men moved through the gears in the second half, with Stanislav Zhekov scoring twice, each time set up by Carl Peers.

Boro’s fourth goal came in the 84th minute when Gavin Ellison headed home a Peers corner.

And while the visitors' Richard Brodie netted a late consolation, it failed to take the shine off a big day for the club.

Macken will be under no illusion as to the size of the task, however, with Boro languishing in 18th place, eight points outside the play-off places.