Two late goals put paid to a spirited Mossley recovery as the Lilywhites went down to a 3-1 defeat at in form Ramsbottom United on Saturday.

The first half saw the home side off to a flyer as Mossley struggled to get a foothold in the game and Ramsbottom took the lead in the 10th minute. Lee Gaskell gathered the ball on the edge of the box after an error by Kyle McGonigle and his chipped shot saw the ball beat Mossley keeper Christian Thewlis and creep in under the bar.

Ramsbottom were buoyed by the goal and two minutes later Spencer saw his effort cleared off the Mossley line. The Rams continued to look the more threatening as Mossley, playing on the break, found the final ball lacking despite some tidy approach play. Richard Bennett coming closest to a goal but his effort was saved by Rammy keeper Grant Shenton.

Whatever Bandy and Lloyd said to the players at half time seemed to have the desired effect as Mossley took control of the game in the second period and for the first time started to cause the home defence some serious problems. Matt Tierney went close from the edge of the box, Tom Pratt saw a rattling effort come back off the right hand post with the keeper rooted to the spot and Charlie Anderson saw his free kick deflect off the wall for a corner.

The Lilywhites deserved the equaliser when it arrived in the 65th minute. Phil Drummond's deep right wing corner was headed back across goal by Tierney and Richard Bennett rose highest to head home off the underside of the bar from close range.

Ramsbottom were visibly shaken and Mossley continued to press with Wayne Welbeck coming closest when he swiveled on the edge of the six yard box but his effort went straight into the hands of a grateful; Shenton when a less clean strike would have seen Mossley take the lead.

Mossley's second half endeavor came to naught though when Rammy right back Jordan Hulme. His first time shot was blocked but the ball deflected back into his path and his angled drive crept in at the far post beyond Thewlis' despairing dive with 78 minutes on the clock.

Mossley pushed again for an equaliser but the points were then sealed for the home side on 82 minutes when ex Mossley player Chris Denham, on as a substitute, saw his mis-hit shot creep in at the near post with Thewlis unsighted and the game was harshly lost.

Report by Wizard