Mossley ended their run of midweek matches at Hurst Cross with a creditable 1-1 draw against ‘play-off’ bound Skelmersdale United.

There was however, something of an “end of season” feel to the game, particularly in a lame first half that saw few chances for either side.

A Matty Kay effort that flew wide was as much as Mossley had to show, while rookie keeper Jon McIlwaine was similarly untroubled in the Lilywhites goal. Apart, that is, than when he found himself retrieving the ball from his net five minutes before the break.

A Skem free kick was floated to the far post, skipper Graham Kay mis-timed his clearance and powerful Skem centre back Michael White volleyed into the ground and the ball took a wicked bounce over the head of the stranded Mossley keeper. It was a little harsh on Mossley who had more than held their own up to that point.

The second half saw the game open out and chances came at both ends. McIlwaine equal to everything that Skem could muster while Mossley began to create more openings themselves.

The equaliser was fully deserved when it arrived in the 75th minute. Ben Richardson played a short corner to half time substitute Mike Fish and his near post cross was powerfully headed home by Andy Russell.

There were a couple of half chances at either end as the game reached it’s climax but a draw was inevitably the fairest result.

Report by John Cawthorne

pics by Smiffy