Mossley were a little unfortunate to go down 3-2 to a strong Sheffield United line up at Seel Park.

The Lilywhites acquited themselves very well on a warm balmy evening and could have won the game with a little more luck. The Blades retained their credibility though after going ahead in the 11th minute when an incisive through ball by former England left back Alan Wright set up Nicky Law who slotted the ball past the advancing Lee Bracey from just inside the box.

Bracey made a couple of good saves as Sheffield made most of the first half running although Adam Morning was a thorn in the first period with some fine wing play while at the back new signing Danny White looked particularly impressive.

Mossley manager Jason Beckford made wholesale changes at the break but the new look Mossley line up equalised just two minutes into the half. Paul Garvey's cross from the right was dropped by Maltese International keeper Haber under pressure from Joe Shaw and trialist James Tyrell-Nestor calmly slotted home the loose ball from 15 yards.

Mossley might have taken the lead when Joe Shaw, spotting Haber off his line, fired powerfully goalwards from some 45 yards out only to see his remarkable effort rebound off the bar. Tyrell-Nestor was unlucky not to connect with another Garvey cross from the right as he threw himself full length but missed his header by a whisker.

The visitors retook the lead on 69 minutes with a very fortunate goal when Gyaki's cross from the right was turned into his own net by the otherwise flawless Andy Thackeray and three minutes later the Blades stretched their advantage when Martin Allison found himself out of position and Marrison headed home unchallenged.

Mossley weren't finished though and reduced the arrears eight minutes from time when James Tyrell-Nestor headed home Joe Shaw's left wing corner at the near post. Mossley pressed for an equaliser but it didn't come.