With Mossley's Evo-stik League play off hopes not entirely in their own hands, this was an absolute must win game against Harrogate Railway Athletic at Seel Park on Saturday, but, success was also dependent on one of two other results happening elsewhere going the Lilywhites way.

The Lilywhites were comfortably in control against Harrogate from the moment the hosts had taken a 12th minute lead. Gary Gee and Lee Rick worked a clever move down the right and the latter placed a perfect cross to the near post where Adam Mather pounced to rifle the ball home from close range.

Harrogate offered little threat as an attacking force with Russ Saunders only first half save coming from a well struck Josh Windass free kick. Other than that, Mossley were in cruise control and only some wayward finishing kept the score down.

That was until four minutes from the interval when Lee Rick volleyed home from the edge of the box after the visitors had failed to clear their lines effectively under mounting Mossley pressure.

Harrogate were unfortunate to lose Windass with a suspected broken arm as he landed badly moments before the half time whistle.

The second half saw Mossley's domination become almost total as Harrogate were forced to pack more players behind the ball. The Lilywhites only reward for playing some thoroughly attractive attacking football in a totally one sided second period saw left back Cavell Coo burst through a gap onto Ryan Hopper's slide rule pass to slot confidently home what was only his 2nd goal of the season.

Following the third goal and as the half wore on, the game at Seel Park became something of a sideshow to what was going on elsewhere. Fans were aware that Trafford were comfortably beating Clitheroe whilst Ramsbottom were winning 1-0 at Skelmersdale, exactly the scenario that Mossley didn't want.

News filtered through that play off rivals Trafford had beaten Clitheroe 3-0 to secure 4th place. But champions Skelmersdale had scored an 82nd minute equaliser. Mossley were already confirmed as comfortable 3-0 winners as players and fans remained congregated at Seel Park awaiting the result of the other relevant game.

Skelmersdale was 1-1 going into stoppage time, Mossley's hopes looked crushed as a point would be enough for the Rams to take the only play off place still available. However, just as all seemed lost word came through that the champions had scored to go 2-1 ahead deep into stoppage time. Seel Park erupted . . . briefly and surreally! Celebrations were muted as players and fans then awaited with baited breath the confirmation of the final score from Skelmersdale.

Sure enough the news came that Ramsbottom had lost. Scenes of joy erupted both on and off the Seel Park pitch as the play off dream was realised. And so, it is the Lilywhites who's season marches bravely on with the promotion dream still firmly alive and in the their own hands.

The Lilywhites now face a trip to Birkenhead on Monday afternoon to face second placed Cammell Laird in the semi final while 3rd placed New Mills will host Trafford in the other semi.

Report by Wizard

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