A terrific spirited performance from Mossley earned a deserved point against big spending promotion chasers Warrington Town at a dry and blustery Seel Park on Saturday. But the real talking point was Mossley's second equaliser two minutes from time scored by John Bennett making his first full appearance since breaking a leg at Curzon Ashton on New Years Day.

The first half was dominated by a strong cross field wind that stunted the attacks of both sides with neither team creating any clear openings. The again impressive Wayne Welbeck came the closest for Mossley but he was unable to get any real power on his header from Tom Pratt's left wing cross. Russ Saunders was kept the busier of the two keepers as he regularly fielded over-hit long balls by the physically powerful and direct Warrington side.

Mossley stepped up a gear after the break and put the visitors defence under pressure but again without creating any clear openings to trouble former Mossley and Curzon Ashton keeper Josh Ollerenshaw, who is on loan at Warrington from Fleetwood Town. Mossley were dominating midfield with John Bennett, Kyle McGonigle and Dean Warburton all putting in great shifts.

Mossley had a big shout for a penalty waved away when the ever dangerous Richard Bennett was brought down in the box by James McCarten and soon after Warrington took a 65th minute lead somewhat against the run of play. A long ball from deep found one time Mossley striker Ciaran Kilheeney, on as a substitute for youngster Dylan Glass. Kilheeney appeared to pull at Charlie Anderson to get to the ball before him before squeezing the ball into the far corner with a miss-hit shot.

Mossley undaunted, continued to ask questions of the Warrington defence and the Lilywhites finally got their reward on 77 minutes. Welbeck played keep ball on the left before working the ball back to John Bennett who crossed from deep, Richard Bennett flicked on a header and substitute Brian Matthews, on the field for only three minutes having replaced Dean Warburton, met the ball from the right and hit a terrific controlled angled volley across the despairing Ollerenshaw and into the far corner of the net.

However, with seven minutes remaining it looked to be curtains for Mossley. Warrington won a right wing corner and skipper Craig Robinson arrived at the far post to loop a header beyond Saunders and the despairing James Blair who's best attempt to clear the danger came to naught.

This current Mossley side are not for giving in though and again pressed forward in hopes of a second equaliser and earned their just deserts two minutes from time with one of the best strikes you will ever see at Seel Park. A Mossley attack broke down on the edge of the Warrington box and the ball was played back to John Bennett some 35 yards out. The gritty Mossley midfielder crowned a man of the match display as he then struck an unstoppable long distance drive past Ollerenshaw with the ball still rising as it hit the back of the Warrington net. A truly magnificent strike!

Mossley looked the likeliest winner in the closing moments and Warrington twice had to scramble the ball away before the final whistle sounded to cheers of approval from the Mossley fans who couldn't help but be impressed by the Lilywhites gutsy and hard working display.

Report by Wizard