Mossley’s re-found self belief was evident at a windswept Genix Healthcare Stadium on Tuesday night as the Lilywhites young guns put up a sterling performance to edge an exciting end to end match by the only goal.

Mossley boss Gareth McClelland made just one change from the team that had hammered Ossett Albion on Saturday with Dan Queeley replacing Kayde Coppin on the right.

Mossley with the first half advantage of a strong end to end wind were quick out of the blocks but were unable to take advantage as Garforth eased their way into the game.

The home side, with big centre forward Paul Walker and lively winger Fernando Moke causing problems, then had a spell of pressure but Mossley’s youthful back line were more than up to the job. In fact the back four of Tom Ingham, Cavell Coo, Nick Swirad and ‘man of the match’ Keil O’Brien were outstanding all night, as were central midfielders Lee Rick and Alex Byrne who worked tirelessly breaking up Garforth moves and looking to get the front players involved at every opportunity.

After soaking up pressure Mossley played mostly on the break and went close on a couple of occasions before taking the lead on 28 minutes. Joe Heap fed Lee Constantine who’s 20 yard shot was turned home by the poaching Cameron Darkwah.

Mossley then edged the remainder of the half and were fully deserving of their half time lead.

Garforth upped the tempo with the increasing wind advantage which was by now added to by horizontal driving rain but the Mossley defence were in no mood to concede and the Lilywhites still provided a threat on the break.

Darkwah nearly added a second when he caught Fisher in possession but hurried his shot and the ball flew over the angle of post and bar.

Garforth almost found an equaliser when Moke shot from the left but with Martin Pearson for once beaten, Nick Swirad covered behind to head away from under the bar when a goal looked certain.

Garforth huffed and puffed and played long balls into the Mossley box with the impressive Walker the constant target, but O’Brien was his equal, never allowing him to turn and get a shot in.

Mossley threw bodies in the way of every Garforth effort and when the ball did get through Mossley keeper Pearson was there to take everything the home side could muster.

At the other end Joe Heap and Alex Byrne were both unlucky not to add to Mossley’s lead but as the game entered stoppage time Garforth were constantly on the offensive.

Despite Garforth throwing everything they had at Mossley’s tireless defence they could find no way through and to the delight of the traveling Mossley fans, management and players alike the positive result was confirmed after the referee had somehow found over five minutes stoppage time.

Report by Wizard