A Mossley squad decimated due to illness and suspensions gave debuts to five players in a closely contested game at Matlock on Wednesday afternoon.

Luke Keen opened the scoring for Matlock in the 8th minute, intercepting a misplaced pass from a Mossley defender.

Some good handling and a couple of smart saves from keeper Rhys Downend kept the score at 1-0 at the interval although Mossley did have a couple of half chances.

The second half was evenly contested and Mossley had a chance to equalise in the 70th minute when the Matlock keeper spilt a cross but the Lilywhites forwards didn't react quickly enough and Matlock cleared the danger.

The game was put out of Mossley's reach in the 85th minute with a cracking shot into the top corner from Matlock's Aiden McAdam.

Overall though, a very pleasing and disciplined performance from a Mossley team who played some good football under the guidance of new Head Coach Paul Bennett.

Steve Tague