Mickleover Sports capitalised on Mossley Academy's sluggish start to Wednesday's NPL Academy Cup tie by taking a 4-1 first half lead and despite a strong second half rally the Lilywhites youngsters were unable to overturn the deficit.

Sam Rainford gave the visitors a fifth minute lead when Cawthorne saved well at the feet of Carter but the ball broke kindly for Rainford who chipped the ball into an empty net over the covering defenders.

Brodie Carter made it 2-0 on 13 minutes as he reacted quickest to a cross and nipped in front of the Mossley keeper to head home.

Mossley fought back strongly and Tcherno Djalo reduced the arrears with a clever solo goal and Mossley enjoyed a spell of strong pressure and a number of chances went begging.

Niall Cole made it 3-1 with a powerful header from a corner on 30 minutes and three minutes later Brodie Carter made it 4-1 when his lobbed effort from a through ball gave Cawthorne no chance.

Mossley rallied strongly after the break and pulled a goal back on 52 minutes when Dylan Fitzgerald fired home from the penalty spot.

Mossley created several chances to give hope of a grandstand finish but it wasn't to be and it will be Mickleover over go through to the next round of the NPLFA Cup.

Wiz