Mossley's 2010/11 campaign came to a close at the Giant Axe on Friday afternoon with a 2-0 defeat to a strong and experienced Lancaster City side.

Mossley went into the game with something of an experimental line up. With Matty Kay Andy Watson, Mike Fish, Daryl Weston and Mike Oates all absentees for various reasons, new boss Gareth McClelland was forced to shuffle his pack. Connor Hampson being the biggest surprise in the starting line up. The 19 years old midfielder had not played for the Lilywhites since before the turn of the year but found himself recalled to the squad by the recently appointed Mossley manager.

Rob Flint returned to the side following suspension while four of the five substitute places went to members of the club's successful youth team.

On a breezy day and on a firm pitch in north Lancashire both sides attempted to play attacking football. Lancaster's experience showing in the early stages as they dominated possession causing the visitors defence a number of problems.

The opening goal came on 19 minutes. Peter Collinge lost the ball in the sun and when Rob Wilson's effort dropped off the top of the bar Alex Johnson had the simple task of nodding into an empty net.

Mossley had their chances as Kris Dennis and Connor Hampson brought good saves out of City keeper Martin Fearon but it was a disjointed attacking display against a Lancaster side who defended deeply in numbers and broke quickly.

The arrival on the pitch of youth team stars Jordan Cuff and Fabio Abreu livened things up in the second half but Lancaster were in no mood to let their lead slip and were very solid at the back.

Cuff became Mossley's best attacking option as he linked up well and caused the home side problems with several jinking runs but it was Lancaster who sealed the points eleven minutes from time with a stunning goal. A sliced clearance came down perfectly for City's top scorer Dave Swarbrick to unleash a brilliant 25 yard angled volley that dipped past Collinge at full power.

Mossley continued to attack but to no avail and the home side finished the season with a victory while new Mossley boss McClelland will no doubt spend the close season reviewing his options as regards his playing staff fort the 2011/12 season.

Report by Wizard

pics by Smiffy