Mossley pushed bottom of the table Cammell Laird a step closer to all but certain relegation with what was a comfortable if unflattering 1-0 win at Kirklands on Easter Monday.

Steve Halford was forced into team changes from Saturday’s draw against Skelmersdale with Lee Rick unavailable and Joe Heap unwell both absentees. Mark Haslam returned to the starting line up while Jordan Cuff was given his full first team debut having previously only appeared as a substitute. Kyle McGonigle also started with Steve Yarwood switched to the bench.

A sparse crowd made up almost entirely of travelling Mossley supporters witnessed a dull and lifeless opening half with very little in the way of creative football. Mossley were by far the more assured side in possession but failed to test home keeper Josh Molloy as overly elaborate moves broke down around the edge of the home box.

Mossley lost Mark Haslam to a thigh injury after half an hour with Ben Richardson his straight replacement in a left wing back role.

The second half saw Mossley step up a gear but only from first to second, but it was enough to force the issue and inevitably win the game far more comfortably than the scoreline suggests.

Steve Yarwood replaced Cuff on 54 minutes which changed the overall shape a little and Mossley started at last to create chances.

Yarwood was soon in the thick of the action while Queeley and Richardson began to find more room to maraud from the flanks. Kayde Coppin was a constant menace to the home defenders who looked happier challenging Denton’s aerial threat than Coppin’s pace and trickery.

Denton, Queeley and Richardson all went close before Mossley finally and deservedly got what proved to be the winning goal. Yarwood played a short left wing corner to Cavell Coo who found an angle to cross. Home keeper Molloy came to collect but spilled the ball. Richardson quickly laid the ball back to the edge of the box from where Kayde Coppin gleefully rifled the ball into the unguarded net.

Mossley threatened to kill the game off and a mazy run by Coo put Denton through but Molloy was able to make a comfortable save.

Mossley retained possession well in the closing stages but were given a brief scare when Lairds substitute Helio Andre saw his powerful shot deflected wide for a last minute of stoppage time corner.

Mossley easily cleared the danger without any further duress and the referee finally and almost mercifully called a halt to proceedings of what was likely to be Mossley’s last visit to Birkenhead for a while, and on this showing it looks highly unlikely that Lairds will be making a return to the Evo-stik League anytime soon.

Report by Wizard