Mossley returned to winning ways when completing a League double in a relatively comfortable victory over Harrogate Railway Athletic at a very wet and muddy Seel Park on Saturday thanks to a second half brace by Wayne Welbeck.

The visitors opened the brighter with the Lilywhites first half performance being somewhat disappointing. Rail’s midfield were sharper to the ball and played some decent pass and move football but created little in the way of openings. The visitors top scorer Nathan Cartman had Rail’s best chance of the half when put clean through but his shot lacked power and Russ Saunders was able to save comfortably. At the other end Wayne Welbeck had a couple of half chances while Richard Bennett also went close. Mossley’s best effort of the half saw Brian Matthews dipping shot from distance strike the bar.

The visitors again forced the issue in the opening minutes of the second half but Mossley provided the perfect sucker punch. Richard Bennett’s through ball saw Rail keeper Peter Crook and one time Mossley defender Simon Wood get in a tangle and the ball broke kindly for Wayne Welbeck to stroke the ball into an empty net to give the Lilywhites a fortuitous lead.

The Lilywhites upped their game thereafter and gradually took control of the midfield particularly after the 60th minute introduction of John Bennett.

Mossley defended solidly throughout the game and a clean sheet was rarely in doubt once the lead had been established.

Mossley’s advantage was doubled in the 69th minute when Brian Matthews daisy cutter of a drive wasn’t held by Crooks and Wayne Welbeck was again the first to react to knock home the rebound and secure the victory.

As the weather deteriorated further and the Seel Park pitch cut up badly Mossley continued to grow in confidence and in the end ran out comfortable and convincing winners against a by now beleaguered Harrogate side who’s confidence and attacking ambition visibly waned as the game wore to it’s conclusion.

The win sees Mossley leapfrog Harrogate into 15th place in the League table and increases hopes of a comfortable mid-table finish.

Report by Wizard