Mossley enjoyed their best display of pre season so far when drawing 1-1 with Blue Square Premier new boys Hyde FC at Seel Park on Saturday.

The Lilywhites looked to have far more balance than in the two previous games and for the first time posed a serious goal threat.

Having said that it was the illustrious visitors who created the early running with tricky winger Stefan Cox particularly bothersome to the Mossley defence. It was from his run and cross on the left that brought the first chance of the day but ex Morecambe striker Phil Jevons headed straight at Martin Pearson.

Mossley’s midfield trio of Gary Gee, Jason Gorton and Steve Yarwood started to take control of the midfield as Hyde employed former Mossley loanee Callum Byrne in a surprisingly deep role.

Hyde were still creating the better chances though with Phil Jevons and Grant Spencer both having efforts on goal denied by the as usual excellent Pearson.

Hyde broke the deadlock on 33 minutes. Having won a corner on Mossley’s left David Poole whipped in a cracking near post cross and ex Morecambe striker Jevons found the inch of space required to head past Pearson from six yards.

Mossley responded and Gavin Salmon looked a certain scorer as he tore past the Hyde Defence but saw his effort blocked by Ashley Firth and then scuffed his shot as he reacted to the rebound.

New signing Salmon wasn’t to be denied though, as on 39 minutes he burst clear after the bounce of the ball had had kidded centre back Ashworth and Salmon again raced clear this time his burst down the left channel saw him make no mistake as he fired past Firth for a deserved equaliser.

The second half saw Mossley take control of the game for a lengthy period and the Lilywhites were desperately unlucky not to take the lead when in the space of only a couple of seconds Firth made a wonderful save to deny Salmon, Dave Young cannoned the rebound against the bar and Firth again reacted magnificently to deny Jordean Stepien with the third rebound before Hyde hoofed the ball to safety.

Hyde then enjoyed a spell of pressure and Mossley substitute keeper Xavier Parisi was forced to make an excellent save to deny Hyde’s substitute Trialist and the game finally petered out to an equal share of the goals.

Report by Wizard

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