With 6 games in hand and just two points behind, it was almost inevitable that Skem would usurp the Lilywhites at the top of the Evo-Stik Division 1North at some point, and it happened on Saturday in the cruellest way possible – a last gasp winner against the run of play.

Mossley started well, having the majority of possession without creating any cast-iron chances, although that may not have been the case had McIntosh not recovered from slipping over as he tried to intercept Chris Denham’s cross by heading it away whilst prone on the floor – Sam Hind was waiting to net.

Skem finally announced their presence in the game when Russ Saunders was forced to tip over Strickland’s 30 yard dipping shot, whilst Kayde Coppin jinked at the edge of the area to make space for himself but shot just wide.
The deadlock was broken just after the half hour, and it came from a Mossley corner.  Mather’s delivery was awful, scuffed and away from goal, and Skem broke with great pace as Field slotted a ball down the right for Hughes to chase.  The flying forward sprinted into the box and squared for Barnett, who could not miss from 6 yards.

Barnett turned provider 10 minutes later when beating Steve Halford to the ball on the right of the box.  He drew Saunders towards him and passed sideways to Strickland who seemingly could not miss the open goal from 10 yards.  Except he did, inexplicably putting it over the bar.

Whilst conceding had rocked Mossley for a spell, they came out after the break with renewed resolve, and set about grafting their way back into the game.  Hind broke but was closed down before he could get his shot away, then minutes later claimed a penalty when falling in the box, which the referee seemed correct to turn down.  However, the determination not to surrender top spot was clear to see from the visitors.

In the 70th minute they did grab the leveller.  A free kick from the left was met by Chris Brown, but his shot was blocked.  A bit of a scramble ensued before the ball dropped to Jay Gorton, who stretched and swept the ball in as the Skem defence vainly claimed a foul on their keeper.  The game was on.

Hind had a shot from the edge of the box that Ashton spilled, but the keeper was able to recover and dive on the ball whilst Madeley tried his luck from a similar distance that Ashton dealt with better.  Their only looked one winner at this stage.

But Skem hit Mossley with a sucker punch in the 88th minute.  Again it came from a Mossley attack as Field won a tackle at the edge of the area on the right, and the ball was quickly moved forward and switched left for Barnett to advance into the Mossley half.  His low shot squirmed out of the grasp of Saunders and to the feet of Phenix, who tapped the ball into the empty net. 

It was heart-breaking for the Lilywhites players and fans, who had thought that their rein at the head of the league was going to last a few more days.  They will now concentrate on attempts to get back up there.

Report by Jonathan Haggart