Holders Mossley crashed out of the Manchester Premier Cup at the semi final stage with a disappointing performance when going down 3-0 to Evo-stik League Premier Division neighbours Trafford at Seel Park on Wednesday night.

After starting on the front foot the Lilywhites went behind to Trafford's first attack of the game when ex Lilywhite Michael Oates headed home from close range from a right wing cross after only five minutes.

Buoyed by the goal Trafford went on to control the midfield without creating many clear openings. Mossley meanwhile, struggled to gain a foothold but came close when Tom Pratt's fierce 25 yard shot was saved in unorthodox style by visitors keeper Kieran O'Hara in what was a somewhat stunted and scrappy first half.

The Lilywhites were hit on 15 minutes when centre back Tom Dean was helped from the pitch with a knee injury which saw Kyle McGonigle drop back to defence with Dean Warburton, making his first appearance for several weeks, slotting into midfield.

If Mossley had hopes of salvaging the game in the second half those hopes were dashed 12 minutes after the restart when Trafford won a free kick some 25 yards out to the right of the Mossley goal. Former Carlisle United winger Simon Hackney stepped up to give Mossley keeper Russ Saunders, playing his first game since being injured on Boxing Day, no chance as he curled a fine free kick into the top corner.

Within seconds of scoring Hackney received a red card for a late and dangerous challenge and for a brief time Mossley threatened to find a way back into the tie against Trafford's ten men.

However, it was Trafford who were to strike next as Rory Fallon's excellent through ball exposed the Mossley defence and Michael Oates was on hand to slot home from eight yards to seal victory for Trafford in the 67th minute.

Salt was rubbed in Mossley's wounds when Kevin McGrath was shown a straight red card for an industrial challenge on Trafford's Shelton Payne as the speedy Trafford wide man threatened to break clear of a high Mossley defensive line.

Having held the trophy for two years it was a hugely disappointing way to exit this year's competition and it is Trafford who will go on to meet the winners of New Mills and Hyde FC in this year's final.

Report by Wizard