The points were all but secured by half-time as John Doolan’s side fired home three impressive strikes before the break on the way to their biggest victory since March 2025.

Dale were booed off after a fifth successive match without victory.

Stanley grabbed the lead in the 14th minute when Josh Woods guided in a low effort from 20 yards out after home goalkeeper Sam Waller passed the ball straight to him.

Walton then slipped a lovely pass through for Charlie Warren to lash a low strike in off the post from the edge of the box in the 38th minute.

Walton arced a stunning angled strike over Waller from just inside the box in first-half stoppage time.

The winger doubled his tally in the 51st minute when he knocked in the rebound after Joe Anderson’s shot was saved by Waller.

Sub Alex Henderson sealed the rout in the 66th minute by finishing off a brilliant move from 10 yards out.