The new look Mossley squad got off to a promisiing start to their pre season campaign with a relatively comfortable 1-0 win over Conference North neighbours Stalybridge Celtic at Seel Park on Tuesday evening.

The Mossley side contained a mix of last season's team and a smatterting of new signings including four players who have played for the Lilywhites previously. Andy Keogh, returning from a spell with Nantwich Town, Mike Fish and Daryl Weston, both of whom have previously played over a hundred games for the Mossley and goalkeeper Liam Higginbotham who had a spell at Seel Park back in the 2008/09 season.

After Celtic had fired a couple of early warning shots across Mossley's boughs the game settled into a mostly midfield affair.

With Fish, Keogh and big summer signing Steve Foster leading the line Mossley were a constant goal threat to an inexperienced Celtic defence in the first half and all three might have scored from half chances.

Goalless at half time, the second half saw Celtic bring on several of last season's first team regulars but the visitors struggled to break down Mossley's well balanced defence with centre backs Tom Dean and new boy Josh Granite both impressive in the heart of the back four.

Mossley continued to pose the greater threat and scored what proved to be the winning goal in the 62nd minute. Mossley won a corner on the right wing. John Bennett fired the ball into the near post, Andy keogh flicked on and midfielder Michael Crosby, signed from Stockport Georgians, arrived unmarked at the far post to head home from close range.

Mossley might have added to their lead as Brian Matthews struck the bar after good work by Dougie Carroll and Carroll himself might have earned a penalty when he was clearly fouled when taking on a Celtic defender in the box.

Wiz

Smiffy's pics

Mike Crosby heads home the winning goal for Mossley