Mossley created enough chances to have won this President’s Cup tie comfortably against Curzon Ashton at Seel Park on Tuesday, but it was the visitors who went through to the next round with a goal at either end of the game.

Mossley fielded a much changed side with debuts given to goalkeeper Joe Potts, a recent signing from Blackpool who has impressed in the reserves, and left sided forward Richard Bennett, a former Oldham Athletic academy player who has been banging in the goals this season for Springhead in the Manchester League. Central defender Remi Salisbury was also called up after playing well for the Reserves.

The game opened at a lively pace with both sides threatening but it was Curzon who took the early lead. Spencer’s through ball finding Daniel Shannon who’s electric pace took him between the Mossley central defence to fire powerfully past Potts from 18 yards.

The Lilywhites lost Danny Warner through injury before the half-hour mark and Ben Richardson replaced him at left back.

Mossley began to create openings but found visitors keeper Dave Carnell in exceptional form and he excelled with a string of saves to deny Mike Oates, Matty Kay and Richard Bennett.

Mossley began to really dominate the game after the break with Danny Murray replacing Mike Oates at the interval and Murray was twice denied by Carnell,, once saving with an outstretched leg and tipping a close range effort onto the post.

Matty Kay was again denied by Carnell and Bennett headed over the bar when well placed. Chances came and went but Mossley were suckered when pushing for an equaliser in the last minute when James Ogoo’s through ball found Shannon who found a way round Joe Potts to fire home to give the score-line a flattering look in the visitors favour.

On another night Mossley might6 have won this game comfortably, but a mixture of brilliant goalkeeping and wayward finishing meant that it was Curzon and not Mossley who go into the hat for the next round.

Wizard

pics by Smiffy