Mossley fielded an experimental line up in tonight's League Cup Preliminary Round tie against a near full strength Trafford and ultimnately paid the price as they slipped out of the competition. The game hinged however, on two penalty decisions by referee Mr Powell, one not given to Mossley and one awarded to Trafford.

Once again it was missed chances that proved costly to Mossley after a bright opening that saw the Lilywhites take an 11th minute lead. Ben Richardson found Sam Hare and the young midfielder, signed recently from Stockport County, steadied himself and rifled a great shot into the rooof of the net from 25 yards that gave Trafford keeper Tom Read no chance.

Trafford were not to be denied though and Scott Barlow brought a good save out of Jonny McIlwaine shortly afterwards before equalising in the 20th minute. Central defender Nia Bayunu found space from a right wing corner to fire home from eight yards.

Mike Fish and Danny Egan then had great chances to put Mossley back in front. Fish 'shinning' a shot when well placed and Egan hitting the outside of the post with a header when it looked easier to score.

The second half was barely 10 seconds old when Mossley should have been awarded a 'nailed on' penalty. Mike Fish latched on to a through ball and was brought tumbling to the ground by keeper Read as he attempted to round him. To everyones surprise the referee waved play on, much to Mossley's dismay.

The decision was ultimately to prove costly as when the dangerous and ever so tricky Callum Byrne wriggled free in the box a slight tug from behind saw the former Rochdale youngster go down and Trafford hot shot Scott Barlow sent McIlwaine the wrong way from the penaty spot.

The introduction of Lee Blackshaw had given Mossley fresh attacking impetus and the Mossley winger caused Trafford a number of problems not least when his fine run and cross saw Fish fire weakly at the keeper when well placed.

Trafford grew in confidence in the later stages of the game with Byrne leading the Mosley defence a merry dance on more than one occasion and Mossley had McIlwaine to thank on two occasions as he made fine saves to deny Trafford goal attempts as Mossley finished the game with two injured passengers. Luca Havern and Aaron Chalmers both picking up injuries after Mossley had used their alloted three substitions and the Lilywhites crashed out of the League Cup at the first hurdle.

Report by Wizard

pics by Smiffy