Tuesday 4th April 2006
@ Seel Park, Mossley

Mossley
1. Lee Bracey (7)
2. Andy Thackeray (7)
3. Nicky Thompson (8)
4. Paul Challinor (8)
5. Danny Meadowcroft (c) (7)
6. Melford Knight (6)
7. Joe Shaw (8)
8. Martin Allison (7)
9. Rhodri Giggs (7)
10. Chris Downey (8)
11. Adam Morning (7) Y
subs
12. Jordan Goodeve (7)
(for Meadowcroft 75 mins)
14. Paul Garvey
(for Knight 80 mins)
15. Arron Kirk
(not used)

Scorers:
Mossley
Adam Morning (50 mins)
Joe Shaw (87 mins)

Kidsgrove Athletic
1. Powner
2. Vickers Y
3. Fitton
4. Kielthy (c)
5. Johnson
6. Robinson Y
7. Eyre
8. Jones
9. Rhead
10. Miller
11. Bostock
subs
12. Thomas
(not used)
14. Buckle
(not used)
15. Biegus
(not used)

Scorers:
Mossley
Andy Bostock (44 mins)

Plucky Kidsgrove pushed Mossley all the way as the Lilywhites re-opened a seven point gap at the top of the UniBond League First Division table thanks to a fortuitous goal three minutes from the end of this vital match.

With giant centre forward Matt Rhead leading the line well for Kidsgrove, Mossley’s defence were kept on their toes throughout the game.

Mossley’s supply to the front pairing of Rhodri Giggs and Chris Downey was disappointing in the first half with Adam Morning and Joe Shaw welled marked on the flanks. Morning in particular was finding space difficult to find as Kidsgrove, aware of the Mossley winger’s threat doubled up on him at every opportunity.

The Lilywhites had the ball in the net on 15 minutes but Chris Downey was ruled narrowly off-side as he planted the ball home from eight yards.

The visitors took the lead almost on the stroke of half time when a neat move on the right saw left winger Andy Bostock head home at the far post from Eyre’s cross.

Mossley began to dominate after the break as they strove for an equaliser which duly arrived five minutes into the half. Adam Morning picked up the ball well inside his own half and drove up the centre of the pitch before unleashing a powerful shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards that gave visitors keeper Powner no chance.

Powner had earlier excelled in denying Giggs, Downey and Martin Allison with excellent saves but on this occasion was given no chance.

Powner was again alert to turn away Joe Shaw’s goalbound effort but Mossley were hampered when captain Danny Meadowcroft left the field with an ankle injury fifteen minutes from time.

The Lilywhites were relatively unruffled by the enforced change and continued to press for a winner. With time running out Mossley’s attacks became more desperate as Powner again denied Downey but with three minutes remaining Joe Shaw hit a speculative 20 yarder that took a wicked deflection skywards and looped over the stranded Powner to find the net to the great relief and joy of the Mossley faithful.

Mossley then played neatly in the corners to run the clock down and gain another vital three points in their promotion quest.