New Mossley boss Steve Halford slipped comfortably into his new role at Seel Park on Tuesday night as the Lilywhites eased past an Abbey Hey side who played their part in what was an entertaining Manchester Premier Cup quarter final tie played in wet and muddy conditions.

Halford made only one enforced change from Saturday's game with Alex Byrne replacing the unavailable Lee Rick with former youth team star Jordan Cuff called up to the bench for his first 1st team appearance of the season. Left back Ben Fallows was also named among the substitutes following a loan spell at Glossop North End.

Abbey closed down space very well in the early stages and limited Mossley to half chances before taking a surprise 13th minute lead themselves when one time Mossley trialist John Hardy broke down the left and found Steve Yarwood who fired home from 15 yards.

The goal rattled Mossley into action and Kayde Coppin and Danny Queeley were a big threat on the flanks while the visitors also struggled to cope with Tom Denton's physical presence and the guile of Nathan Taylor, both of whom enjoyed excellent performances.

It took a brilliant save by Peter Collinge to prevent Abbey from doubling their advantage when he acrobatically turned over Josh Westmorland's powerful 25 yard drive after an incisive Abbey raid.

It took Mossley 36 minutes to find an equaliser when a through ball from midfield found Taylor bursting through the left channel to slot past ex Mossley keeper Jon McIlwaine from ten yards for his first Mossley goal.

The second half saw Mossley take more control of the game and the Lilywhites looked the likeliest to score the next goal and so it proved as a fine three goal salvo in the space of four minutes killed off Abbey's brave challenge.

Tom Denton put Mossley in front when he headed home after Abbey failed to clear a Mossley corner before the game's best goal arrived just a minute later. Queeley threaded a through ball that Taylor allowed to run through his legs for substitute Joe Heap who then squared the ball back across goal for the lively Taylor to deservedly finish himself.

The fourth goal came just two minutes later. Abbey conceded a foul 25 yards out to the right of McIlwaine's goal and Joe Heap stepped up to fire home a fine 25 yard free kick to give the scoreline a slightly flattering look.

Mossley had the ball in the net again a few minutes later when Heap's corner kick went straight into the net but the referee spotted an offence and disallowed the effort.

Abbey had a go at reducing the arrears and won a couple of corners but Mossley had the best chances of the late stages when Jordan Cuff brought a save out of McIlwaine and fellow substitute Nathan Neequaye made a hash of a cross that would have given Cuff and easy finish.

In the end Halford and Mossley will be delighted with the victory and a place in the semi finals of the Premier Cup alongside the other quarter final winners - Droylsden, Salford City and Irlam.

Report by Wizard

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