Mossley endured a disappointing return to the UniBond Premier Division as they went down by the odd goal in five to much fancied Ilkeston Town in the season's Seel Park opener.

Ilkeston were strong and incisive and generally dominated the game. Mossley debutant Steve Burke had the first chance of the game in only the 2nd minute but his effort was easily saved by Ilkeston keeper Scott.

Muller and Adam both had chances for Ilkeston before the visitors took a 26th minute lead through Leon McSweeney who scored from 18 yards after good work by Walker in midfield.

Burke again tested Scott while at the other end Muller and Holmes both had shots blocked.

Anthony Bingham . . . substitute scored twice

Rob Edwards came to Mossley's rescue early in the second half when he cleared off the line from Carruthers following a corner but Ilkeston grabbed a second on 60 minutes when Adam found space on the right and Adam Muller tapped home from close range.

Mossley boss Jason Beckford replaced the injured Burke with Anthony Bingham and the young Mossley striker quickly pulled a goal back when he scored from close range from Danny White's headed knock down in the 65th minute. But just as it looked as though Mossley had earned a foothold in the game the visitors stretched their lead back to two goals when Terry Bowker unfortunately headed into his own goal from a corner.

Mossley did reply in the 83rd minute with a fine headed goal by Anthony Bingham as he got on the end of Joe Shaw's right wing cross