The Lee Dixon era began with three points and two brilliantly taken goals as the Ravens beat St Helens 2-0 at The Bowl on Saturday.
Goals from debutants Jimmy Lowther and Will Cowin either side of half-time secured the points.
After a cagey start with few chances, it was a breakaway that saw Lowther open the deadlock.
A cleared corner broke to Adam Adebiyi and his smart flick set Lowther away before he and Dean Pinnington played a smart one-two opening up the Stripes' back line.
Taking a touch to set himself, he slotted past Conor Robson before running into the corner to celebrate with the Ravens fans.
Despite some late pressure at either end, it would remain 1-0 at the break thanks to great defensive work by both backlines.
The second was an even tighter affair, with the first major danger to either keeper coming when Thomas Scarborough's cross turned shot was smartly batted away by Adam Killey.
As the Ravens looked to soak up the pressure and retain their lead, St Helens had Ethan Jones sent off late on for what seemed to be something said to an official.
With the stripes continuing to push for an equaliser it would be another breakaway that secured the Ravens' win.
Jack Higgins and Pinnington combined to set Tomas Brown away down the left, he swtiched the ball over to Cowin.
He took two touches before expertly placing the ball into the far top corner to make it 2-0 and ensure the Ravens would kick off the 2026/27 season with a win.
Tuesday night sees the Ravens travel to Glossop North End. Glossop also won 2-0 on Saturday, beating Euxton Villa.
