MOSSLEY had to come from behind to earn their first point of the season in this 1-1 draw at Seel Park on Tuesday night.

It was an interesting and enjoyable encounter despite their being few chances for either side throughout this evenly contested game.

Both sides had spells were they controlled the ball well and kept possession but both teams came up against some solid and determined defending. Peter Band and Steve Halford being absolute rocks in the heart of the Mossley defence. The pair performing with much ability and heart on sleeve in subduing the dangerous pair of Witton front two Titchiner and Newman.

Mossley went into the game without Nick Swirad who had suffered concussion at Ossett on Saturday so 17 years old wing back Tom Ingham was drafted in and performed extremely well as the side switched to a 4-4-2 formation.

Joe Heap started instead of Danny Queeley who remained on the bench throughout on this occasion after taking a knock on Saturday.

The first half was largely disappointing for Mossley as attacks broke down in the final third as Witton controlled central midfield with some quick and slick passing and movement while the Lilywhites, while emulating them in many areas were more prone to error.

Witton took the lead on 25 minutes when Alex Titchiner broke down the right, Josh Hancock met his cross at the far post and headed into the path of Danny Andrews who drove low into the Mossley net from eight yards.

Mossley replaced youth team graduates Joe Heap and Alex Byrne at half time. Harry Noon replacing Heap as Scott Hogan then moved into Heap’s position with Noon leading the line while Byrne was replaced by former Blackburn Rovers academy midfielder Tom Murray.

Mossley played much better in the second half with Hogan and Kayde Coppin starting to cause real problems for the visitors defence.

Witton almost snatched a second goal on 70 minutes when Titchiner beat the onrushing Mossley keeper Martin Pearson to the ball but Band raced back to make a superb clearance as Titchiner looked a certain scorer.

Newman then came close for the visitors when his powerful shot rattled the Mossley crossbar but thereafter it was Mossley who looked the most threatening.

The hard working Lilywhites finally got their reward eight minutes from time. Some neat midfield interplay sent Coppin racing down the right wing and skipping past his marker whipped in a great cross that substitute Harry Noon headed confidently past stranded Witton keeper Paul Cooper.

Witton attempted to sting back but once again the Mossley defence held firm superbly while the Lilywhites still threatened with speedy counter attacks through to the end.

Report by Wizard

pics by Smiffy