Mossley's recent good run of form came to an abrupt end at a very wet Church Lane on Monday night, despite playing against ten men for nearly an hour of the game.

The home side started the better and took the lead in the 15th minute when a Dominic Welsby effort from 30 yards out looped over Mossley keeper Russ Saunders. The goal inspired them and a free kick on the edge of the box was wasted. Minutes later Saunders had to make a good save down to his right to keep the deficit to one.

Marly Gough sent in a long range shot which ex Mossley custodian Peter Collinge was somewhat lucky to see slip through his hands but ended up just over the crossbar.

In the 35th minute another former Lilywhite, Mike Fish, was shown a straight red card by the referee who seemed to indicate it was for an elbow.

Mossley equalised just before half time when Brian Matthews sent in a great cross from the left wing and Wayne Welbeck applied the finishing touch at the far post.

The second half started with Tom Pratt getting behind the New Mills defence but slicing his shot well wide from a great position. The home team responded with a couple of in swinging corners which caused the Mossley defence some problems.

As the rain continued and the pitch became more slippy clear cit chances were rare at both ends of the pitch. However, in the 78th minute Mossley's half time substitute Danny McDonnell's challenge in the penalty area was seen as unfair by the referee's assistant and Danny Grimshaw converted the spot kick.

Mossley huffed and puffed but in truth never looked like getting an equaliser and their night was ended with Kyle McGonigle receiving a straight red card deep into injury team for what appeared to be dissent.

In truth, New Mills deserved the win for on the night they wanted it more.

Report by David Lloyd

Wayne Welbeck