Mossley's promotion hopes ended three minutes into stoppage time at a bright and sunny Kirklands on Monday afternoon as shock League runners up Cammell Laird scored a last gasp goal to earn a place in Friday's Play Off Final against Trafford.

Sadly for the Lilywhites it was also a goal wrapped in controversy as the goal came directly after Mossley had claimed a foul on midfielder Lee Rick as he challenged for the ball on the touchline. Lairds were instead awarded a throw in which led directly to the game's only goal as Craig Cairns crossed for Joe Holt to head home.

Lairds celebrated as Lilywhites protests were waved away by referee Mr Gittins. The referee involved in controversy for the second game in recent weeks as he was also in charge of the recent goalless draw at Burscough when some highly dubious decisions had cost Mossley on that day.

Mossley went into the game low on firepower, with top scorer Sam Madeley and wing play maker Chris Denham both suspended and Kayde Coppin and Sam Hind not having played for several weeks due to injury. The line was led by Danny Broadbent, still without a goal since his arrival from Hyde, along with midfielders Lee Rick and Adam Mather.

It was that lack of firepower that was to prove Mossley's undoing on a day of few chances for either side. Lairds extreme route one approach was also far more conducive to a bumpy pitch that meant Mossley were unable to play their passing game with any great significance.

Best chances of the first half saw Cairns fire over from a good position after he latched on to a 50 yard long ball while at the other end Broadbent was denied by a near post block and Jay Gorton saw his looping header cleared off the line.

The second half was equally tense. Lee Rick might have done better when he headed Mather's cross narrowly wide and substitute Sam Hind failed to find a decent connect to clip the ball over the keeper from a Mossley through ball. At the other end Mossley survived a defensive mix up that saw the ball hit the post before Cavell Coo cleared off the line.

However, the game looked destined for extra time when the home side made that vital and conclusive breakthrough. Following the goal Steve Halford replaced Mark Haslam and Mossley won a free kick. Halford flicked on the header and there was a brief scramble with Mossley claiming a penalty but the ref awarded Lairds a free kick instead and blew for full time moments later.

It was a hugely disappointing end to what has been a fantastic roller coaster of a season and the management and players can be justly proud of what the club has achieved. With some minor tweaking in the closed season I am certain that Steve Halford's boys will be back to challenge for honours again next season.

Report by Wizard