Top-of-the-league Mossley faced their sternest test of the season to date when Skelmersdale brought their 100% record to Seel Park, and they found the Merseysiders too strong.

It would have been a difficult enough game for the Lilywhites with a full squad to choose from, but with a pair of Youngs, Ashley and Dave, in the stands suspended, and Kiel O’Brien and Ben Richardson still injured, it was an even tougher task. The changes forced Jay Gorton into defence and they were to miss his bite in midfield.

There was further disruption when in the early skirmishes Steve Halford was forced off injured when attempting to shepherd a ball out of play, and Peter Band had to replace him in the 10th minute.

There was little incident, both sides were restricted to long shots, until the 29th minute, when Skelmersdale struck. Martin Pearson had got down low to turn Corrigan’s low shot around the post, and from the corner Anthony Hickey rose the highest at the near post to flick it into the net.

Within a minute they had doubled the lead. Lewis Field surged down the right from his full back position and drilled a low cross into the box. Kenny Strickland had advanced into the box and struck a sweet first time shot into the corner. It was a lovely finish, and Pearson had no chance.

Mossley found it difficult to get into the Skem box, with the back four strong and disciplined. Only Sam Madeley managed to make first half inroads, but his cross was in front of his colleagues. Meanwhile Hine did well for the visitors, controlling a high ball and shooting, but his effort across the goal was just wide of the far post.

The second half was again a battle, although you always sensed Skem had the upper hand. Pearson was forced to save Hine’s driven shot and Hickey’s snapshot was wide. Mossley’s closest effort came when Madeley tried a first time curling shot from the edge of the box, but it went wide.

Pearson was the busiest of the two keepers, pushing a strong shot wide and saving from Jackson when, although he looked miles offside, the linesman’s flag never came.

Rowney dipped a shot over the bar and Williams, making his debut, couldn’t lift the ball over the keeper when put in on a tight angle. From the save, Skem broke with pace, Hine sprinting down the left before squaring to Field who had galloped from full back to the penalty spot and looked certain to score, only for Pearson to save well.

Skem closed the game out, with Mossley attacks snuffed out at inception. Even in injury time, when Madeley did manage a shot on target from 25 yards, Ashton saved and pushed the ball away.

The visitors were well worth their victory, and their favourites tag for the league is justified. However, Mossley remain top of the league, albeit having played more games, and will strive to remain as leaders after Saturday’s visit to Salford City.

Report by Jonathan Haggart

Smiffys Pics