A terrific first half display by Mossley was enough to see off the challenge of Blue Square North side Hyde at Seel Park on Wednesday evening.

Mossley's pass and move football was excellent entertainment for the midweek crowd with the Lilywhites gelling better than in any of their previous pre season games.

Mossley's three man central midfield of Cavell Coo, Lee Rick and Alex Byrne were excellent and controlled the game in the opening 45 minutes while wide players Kayde Coppin and Danny Queeley were equally effective out wide.

At the back Martin Pearson was a virtual spectator as the back three of Peter Band, Steve Halford and Nick Swirad kept Hyde's attack at bay with some timely challenges and excellent clearing headers while up front Dave McNiven and Scott Barlow were a constant threat to the Hyde defence.

The only goal of the game came as early as the seventh minute when a through ball from midfield set Barlow scampering clear. The former front man retained his composure when the ball rebounded back to him after challenging Hyde keeper Carnell and he made no mistake thumping the ball home from ten yards.

Mossley created further chances that saw Queeley, Byrne, Barlow and McNiven all go close to extending the home side's lead.

Following several half time subsitutions the second half saw Hyde press on more as Mossley were forced to defend deeper but long shots aside there was still little to trouble Mossley keeper Pearson. The closest Hyde came was when the impressive Scott Spencer curled a free kick that bounced off the top of the Mossley upright.

Mossley still managed to create a few openings with Queeley coming closest with a fierce drive that flew narrowly over the bar.

Report by Wizard