Mossley returned again to winning ways with an extremely hard earned victory on a rain and mud sodden pitch at Prescot Cables on Saturday thanks to a wonderfully constructed first half goal.

There were a number of plus points in this Mossley display. The successful and impressive return from injury of midfield pair Simon Gallanders and James Blair, rookie keeper Christian Thewlis keeping his first clean sheet for the Lilywhites and a competent debut for former Manchester United junior Matthew Wilkinson.

Mossley were without the services of injured strikers Dougie Carroll and Wayne Welbeck so winger Tom Pratt played alongside Richard Bennett in a central role, while Kyle McGonigle was an absentee with a training injury.

The Lilywhites terrible run with injuries continued though with defenders Charlie Anderson and Phil Drummond both being hurt inside the first 25 minutes with Tom Dean replacing Anderson and Danny McDonnell, who started the game on the right side of midfield, slotting in at left back for Drummond.

Prescot created all the early pressure on a glue pot of a pitch that was only just playable, but the Lilywhites defence held firm with Prescot’s only effort on goal in that period seeing Thewlis tip over Connor McCarthy’s 25 yard pile-driver.

Mossley had created very little as an attacking force as Prescot boomed the ball back down field at every opportunity. However, that all changed in the 35th minute.

Lewis Nightingale who had hardly seen the ball up to that point received a pass inside his own half on the left wing. Nightingale then set off on a mazy run that saw him skip past tackle after tackle beating at least six players before slotting a perfect through ball that Tom Pratt took in his stride, waltzed around home keeper Richie Mottram and knocked the ball into an empty net. A fantastic goal made all the more amazing by the conditions in which it was achieved.

There was a worry at the interval that the game may be abandoned as referee Mr Lamb was considering calling a halt to proceedings should there be another heavy downpour. Fortunately that downpour didn’t arrive and despite the visible deterioration of the pitch, the game continued to completion. Well done Mr Lamb.

The game was in the balance. Prescot tried and toiled to make headway against a solid Mossley back-line with Kevin McGrath and Tom Dean outstanding in the heart of defence meaning the home side were left to try pot-shots that caused Thewlis few problems bar another fine tip over from a long range effort and a save at the foot of his right hand post from a low skidding shot.

At the other end Richard Bennett came closest when his close range effort was saved by a combination of keeper and post after another fine run and cross by Nightingale.

Mossley ran the clock down well in the closing stages for what was a very important three points considering all the recent circumstances and thankful for what was a truly breathtaking goal that earned the victory.

Report by Wizard

Simon Gallanders

Lewis Nightingale

Tom Pratt