Europa League qualifiers Airbus UK Broughton arrived at Seel Park for Tuesday night's friendly buoyed by having beaten Conference Play off finalists Wrexham in their last outing on Saturday and Andy Preece's Welsh Premier League runners up, as expected, proved to be a very strong and experienced side, but Mossley were equal to their illustrious visitors in every department on the night bar finishing.

Airbus got off to a good start and took an 11th minute lead when Nicky Ward raced down the left to pull the ball back for the visitors latest signing, ex Chester and Bangor City striker Chris Simm, to lash home a debut goal from 15 yards.

With Kayde Coppin and Callam Gardner causing problems on the flanks, Mossley were also able to create chances. However, the experienced Airbus defence were able to cope with the undoubted threat of Mossley strikers Andy Keogh and Charlie Weir.

The game swung from end to end at a good tempo but it was Airbus who scored the next goal. Ward again getting round the back of the Lilywhites rearguard to pull the ball back for Chris Budrys to fire home in a goal not dissimilar to the opener.

Airbus made several changes at the interval while Mossley restarted with the same eleven, only making substitutions sporadically through the second half.

The Lilywhites started to create more chances with Coppin showing great form on the right wing leading his marker a merry dance. Impressive Airbus keeper James Coates then saved his side on more than one occasion making fine saves to deny Coppin, Keogh and Andy Hurst while Charlie Weir thundered a header inches wide.

It was somewhat against the run of play when Airbus added a third goal on 59 minutes as a misunderstanding between Russ Saunders and Charlie Anderson allowed Wayne Riley a simple close range header from a left wing cross.

Mossley finally got the goal that their attacking play deserved in the 73rd minute. Coppin and Ryan Hopper combined superbly around the Airbus box before Brian Matthews, arriving unmarked from the left, fired home into the far corner with a controlled volley from the edge of the box.

Mossley pressed for a second goal. Coppin again going close, Hurst had two chances well saved by Coates and Lewis Nightingale hit a 25 yard screamer narrowly over the bar as the Lilywhites asked all the questions, but it was to be the visitors who were to round off the scoring in the final minute when Riley bagged his second after some tidy Airbus approach play.

The scoreline was harsh on Mossley and in no way reflected the game as the Lilywhites gave a good account of themselves against a team who will again be a force in the Welsh Premier this season.

Report by Wizard

Brian Matthews