Mossley's mid season blip stretched to the end of February on Tuesday night as the Lilywhites stumbled to a last minute defeat at play-off rivals Clitheroe.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to put the finger on what is currently going wrong with Mossley's promotion hopes as their high workrate and quality approach play is still very much in evidence. However, despite repeatedly dominating games, the Lilywhites currently seem unable to convert footballing superiority into goals.

Some of Mossley's attacking play in the first half at Clitheroe was a joy to behold despite the home sides uneven and bumpy pitch. Once Dean Canning had fired a first minute shot across Mossley's bows the visitors took complete control of the half but scoring chances were at a premium.

Clitheroe defended deep and for the most part kept Mossley's marauding attacks away from the goal. When Steve Halford's men did break through Clitheroe's solid rearguard they saw two efforts disallowed for off-side with both Sam Madeley and Kayde Coppin finding the net only to find the assistant's flag raised.

The second half opened as the first half had with Clitheroe shooting narrowly wide but as the half wore on it became more of a battle as Clitheroe's long ball game saw Mossley defending a little deeper and opportunities to attack up Clitheroe's bizarre slope became less frequent. Attacks called for Mossley to play with more width but the visitors constantly tried and failed to find gaps up the middle for the as ever lively Coppin and Madeley.

The game looked destined for a goalless draw, which would possibly have been the fairest result but the game had one final twist. Clitheroe found some late momentum, pressuriung Mossley with high balls into the box which Russ Saunders and his defenders had dealt with comfortably all evening. Then, with just a minute left on the clock Clitheroe right back Chris Smalley fired in a low angled cross from deep on the right that eluded everybody and may have taken a slight deflection before finding the net and breaking Mossley hearts.

With only three minutes of stoppage time to come Mossley hurriedly worked forward and Will James was fortunate to see his hurried clearance clip the top of his own bar to earn Mossley a late corner. Despite plenty of bodies in the box Mossley were unable to make it count and the final whistle sounded to end another frustrating and inevitably fruitless evening.

Report by Wizard