Needing to win their final three League fixtures to have any chance of a promotion play off place, Mossley fell just short when held by Harrogate Railway Athletic at Seel Park on Tuesday. The Lilywhites twice coming from behind to salvage a point.

Mossley were without right back Caldon Henson who reported unwell while Tom Pratt was rested on the bench after picking up a slight knock on Saturday, Kyle McGonigle and Rio Ahmadi returning to the starting line up.

Both teams played with intensity and attacking intent with the teams both including pacey wide players.

Most of the first half chances fell to Mossley Mike Fish, Sam Robinson and Arron Hevingham all firing wide from decent positions in the opening salvos.

At the other end the pace and movement of the impressive Rob Youhill and Adam Baker caused some consternation for the Mossley defence.

Mike Fish looked to be Mossley’s best chance of a goal as he was twice denied by good saves by Tom Goodwin.

It was the visitors who took the lead seven minutes before the break but it was a horrible goal from Mossley’s perspective. It started with a Mossley corner which was cleared. The ball eventually working it’s way back to keeper Liam Flynn. However, Flynn’s attempt to pass the ball to Ryan Barrow was intercepted by Baker and Malachi Farquharson was left with an easy chance to put the Railway ahead.

It could have been worse as some Harrogate pressure at the end of the half saw Harry Coates fire a thunderous shot against the Mossley post.

Harrogate continued to have the upper hand as the second half got underway and they were awarded a penalty on the hour when Barrow clumsily brought down Baker. However, Liam Flynn made amends for his earlier gaff when diving to his left to keep out Baker’s spot kick.

Within three minutes Mossley were level. This time it was Rail keeper Goodwin who was the culprit. In following the ball out to his right near the corner flag in trying to prevent a corner he was tackled by Ahmadi, the ball was played back and met by Kyle McGonigle who struck home a superb volley from some 35 yards from goal with Goodwin floundering.

Harrogate undeterred went back on the offensive and restored their lead on 71 minutes when Vincent Dhesi struck home from ten yards after his initial effort had been blocked.

Mossley responded with just five minutes remaining with a super goal by substitute Tom Pratt. Fellow substitute Charlie Anderson played Pratt in down the right wing, Pratt cutting inside his markers before firing home a great finish from fifteen yards.

Pratt almost grabbed a last minute winner but Goodwin stuck out a leg to block his goal bound effort.

Wiz

Smiffy's pics

Kyle McGonigle enjoy's his long range goal