Mossley, without a home victory since 3rd October sank further into the mire with another largely inept performance against play-off chasing Marine at Seel Park.

The visitors domination in the first half ought to have seen them go in at half time with a greater lead than the solitary goal advantage given them by Dave Eaton's 18th minute far post tap in. That they didn't was largely down to some solid defending and the acrobatics of Mossley keeper Steve Wilson. Mossley for their part continually gave the ball away cheaply on a heavy pitch that didn't seem to give Marine any difficulties at all.

Mossley made more of a fight after the break. Jonathon Smith somehow put the ball over the bar from point blank range when it looked easier to score before the Lilywhites found a 58th minute equaliser when Joe Shaw rifled into the far top corner from the edge of the box.

Mossley then enjoyed a spell of dominance and Marine were lucky to survive unbreached in one frantic goalmouth scramble that saw Dever clear off the line with Mossley claims that the ball had crossed the line ignored.

All the good work of the half came to end though in the 73rd minute when Marine were awarded a somewhat harsh penalty as the ball struck Will Ryder on the arm and Wayne McDermott sent Wilson the wrong way from the spot.

Mossley's misery was completed nine minutes from time when substitute Andy Thackeray, returning to the side having retired before Christmas, saw a pass out of defence intercepted and Karl Noon went through to score past the stranded WIlson.

Mossley's woes were completed in the early evening when an incident involving a Mossley player, management and supporters in the club car park left a particularly bitter taste in the mouth on a day that is probably best quickly forgotten.