Mossley’s youthful team were taught a harsh lesson by neighbours Ashton United at Seel Park on Tuesday evening as the Lilywhites lost the Willow Wood Hospice Cup which had sat in the Mossley trophy cabinet since 2005.

The game opened well for Mossley with the home side dominating possession. Kayde Coppin fired wide on two occasions, Scott Barlow had a header saved and Cavell Coo was unlucky to miss a close range flick that would have given Mossley a deserved lead at that point. However, it was Ashton who struck first . A ricochet ended into the path of Wayne Cahill and his delicate chip left Mossley keeper Nick Ashley stranded in no-mans land on 34 minutes.

A minute before the break Ashton doubled their lead when Mossley messed up an off-side call and the ball was pulled back for Cahill to finish well from the edge of the box.

Mossley continued to enjoy the lions share of possession in the second half despite several substitutions. But, with Ashton defending with two deep banks of four players and breaking quickly Mossley were always susceptible to the counter attack.

Ashton scored a third on 68 minutes when Jonathan Bathurst headed home from close range after wave after wave of Mossley attacks had floundered in the final third.

The game petered out as a contest and Josh Rose added a flattering fourth goal in the final moments.
Mossley will have to find more penetration in their attacking play if they are to make an impact this season though they won’t meet that many teams who defend as resolutely and effectively as Ashton did on this occasion.

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