Mossley made light work of Saturday’s FA Trophy win at UniBond League Division One South strugglers Spalding United with a comfortable and convincing 3-1 victory.

On what was a particularly poor playing surface Mossley were rocked in the second minute when Spalding’s Ben Garrick pounced to give the home side a shock lead with the first attack of the game.

Mossley then rolled their proverbial sleeves up and set about taking the Lincolnshire club apart. Spalding’s defence looking particularly vulnerable to the pace and movement of Mossley front two Steve Settle and Steve Moore. It was in fact those two players who created the equaliser in the 14th minute. Moore’s run down the right ended with a deft back-heel setting up Settle to cross to Matty Kay who fired into the net from 12 yards.
Spalding’s long ball game was having little or no effect and usually ended with Mossley pressing forward for yet another attack.

It was no surprise at all when the Lilywhites edged in front on 31 minutes. Nick Allen’s delightful through ball released Matty Kay who blasted into the top corner of the net from just outside the box for his 9th goal of what is looking to be a great season for the Mossley attacking midfielder.

The second half saw Mossley lose Sam Walker with a hip injury within two minutes of the restart with Jordan Goodeve coming into midfield and Karl Brown switching to the left wing back role. A minute later victory was assured though when Steve Moore was the clever provider for Steve Settle to rifle Mossley’s third goal.

Spalding centre back David Hone was lucky to escape punishment when he blatantly elbowed Nick Allen in the face in an off the ball incident which wasn’t spotted by the officials.

Mossley continued to dominate through to the end with chances created and missed with a couple of ‘dodgy’ off-side decisions going against them too.

All in all though it was an excellent result with Mossley able to canter through to the next round with several gears to spare and the travelling party were able to enjoy the long journey home comfortable in the knowledge of a job well done.

Report by John Cawthorne