Mossley's academy crashed to a heavy home defeat by League leaders Belper Town at Seel Park on Wednesday afternoon.

The speedy and physical visitors closed down space quickly meaning Mossley were unable to get their passing game together effectively as the Lilywhites youngsters were decidedly second best in the first half.

Gianluca Gandola opened the scoring in the 5th minute after escaping his marker and the lead was doubled on 24 minutes when a clumsy challenge saw Belper awarded a penalty. Daniel Watson scored from the spot.

Josh Bullock headed home a third from a right wing cross on 30 minutes.

Mossley improved after the break but were hit by a fourth goal only five minutes after the restart. Scott Taylor scoring with a firm header after Mossley failed to deal with another right wing cross.

Mossley’s improved showing saw them pull a goal back on 58 minutes when Declan Lewis forced the ball home following a right wing Mossley corner.

A tactical change saw Mossley control the game for the first time but the side were then reduced to ten men when debutant Nathan McGowan was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Despite the disadvantage the Lilywhites made the score-line more respectable with five minutes remaining. A mistake by Belper keeper Jack Repton allowed Antonio Din Chin to steal the ball and roll into an empty net.

However, the visitors weren’t finished and with the Mossley defence stretched as they searched desperately for another goal, Belper broke down the left and Taylor grabbed his second and Belper’s fifth goal with barely a minute remaining.

Wiz