Despite missing a number of first team players due to a mixture of injury, illness, suspension and unavailability, a bare bones Mossley side still proved too strong for relegated Leigh Genesis at Crilly Park on Tuesday night.

Mossley, kicking off with the pronounced slope in their favour, were totally dominant in the first half despite some Leigh rough house tactics earning the home side several yellow cards as Mossley passed the ball well.

Graham Kay fired a 25 yarder narrowly over the bar and Sam Hare had a goal ruled out before the Lilywhites took a deserved 23rd minute lead. Chris Rowney’s pass releasing Matty Kay to fire home from 15 yards.

Three minutes later Mossley doubled their advantage. Lee Constantine and Sam Hare opened the Leigh defence down the left wing and Hare crossed for Michael Thomas to score with a powerful diving header from the edge of the six yard box.

Leigh’s best effort came from a set piece when veteran striker turned defender Stuart Rudd fired narrowly over with a 25 yard free kick.

Playing up the slope in the second half the visitors made the worst possible start when Leigh right back David Webb, who had been tormented by Coo, Hare and Constantine in the first half scored with a 25 yard screamer within a minute of the restart to give the home side renewed hope.

Mossley weathered the storm well with Graham Kay and Michael Thomas solid rocks at the back and Peter Collinge handling impeccably.

As the half wore on Mossley regained control of the game, finally scoring a deserved third goal on 81 minutes. Thomas’ through ball caught the home defence out and Matty Kay casually clipped the ball over the advancing Leigh keeper to secure the points.

Youth team star Jordan Cuff and reserve team defender Phil Cooper made cameo appearances in the second half and both acquitted themselves well to first team football.

Report by Wizard