Promotion hopefuls Droylsden were well beaten by an ‘up for it’ Mossley, at Seel Park on Saturday, as a three goal first half salvo gave the Lilywhites the impetus to record an outstanding victory over their neighbours and historical rivals.

Droylsden opened in confident mood with Andy Farrimond called into action early on making a fine diving save from Kevin Leadbetter’s angled drive.

Mossley received an early blow when central defender Josh Granite left the field with a knee injury in only the 8th minute, Charlie Anderson his direct replacement.

However, after the visitors brisk opening it was Mossley who opened the scoring on 13 minutes. Andy Keogh and Mike Fish found space from a counter attack. Keogh controlled and laid off to Fish who stepped inside the last defender before lashing home past ex Mossley stopper Russ Saunders from the edge of the box.

Five minutes later and the Lilywhites were two up. Mossley won a free kick 30 yards out, some ten yards in from the left touchline. Oliver Devenney set and curled a super placed shot beyond Saunders’ reach and into the far top corner.

Tom Pratt flashed a shot across the face of goal and Keogh shot narrowly wide as the visitors reeled and lost any semblance of composure at the back.

Mossley tripled their lead on 26 minutes from the penalty spot as Mike Fish rifled home for the reward after himself being brought down by Alex Frost.

The Lilywhites missed a couple more half chances before the break but Droylsden could be thankful they weren't behind by double the 3-0 half time score.

Droylsden made a triple substitution early in the second half and the move had an early impact as Ben Deegan headed home from close range following a half cleared corner. Stephen Hall then saw his header come back off the bar as the visitors enjoyed a good spell of possession.

However, it was Mossley who scored next. Substitute Matty Purcell lashing home his first goal for the club on the half turn from 15 yards on 69 minutes.

The again impressive Tom Pratt nearly extended Mossley’s lead when he took on and beat three defenders on the dead-ball line before Saunders saved at his feet.

Droylsden had the final say though when Deegan headed home his second of the match to give the noisy band of Bloods fans a late consolation for their latterly muted vocal efforts

Wiz

Smiffy's pics

Oliver Devenney receives the cheers for his goal.