Mossley were left disappointed but also maybe a little relieved after being held to a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s Seel Park FA Cup encounter against 2015 promotion play finalists Bamber Bridge.
The visitors were without doubt the strongest side the Lilywhites have faced so far this season despite their slow start to the campaign.
The visitors dominated possession by around 60% playing some super football while Mossley struggled to put strings of passes together in a disjointed performance.
With full backs Caldon Henson and Lee Wilshaw unavailable, the Lilywhites were forced into changes at the back yet again while Rhys Nevins replaced the departing Sam Robinson up top, for his full debut.
Keeper Will Jones had something of a shaky first half, despite keeping another clean sheet, so much so that he was replaced at half time by Liam Flynn.
Chances were at a premium for both sides in the opening half with Bamber Bridge lacking the killer finish and the Lilywhites struggling to create opportunities.
However, the Lilywhites took the lead a minute before the break. John Bennett raced through a gap in midfield and played a great ball down the right channel. Mitch Bryant latched onto it and left keeper Dovey rooted as he calmly slotted the ball in the far corner.
Chances were few again after the break but after a special of Bamber Bridge pressure the visitors equalised on 68 minutes. Waddecar out foxed Luke Horrocks and debutant substitute Danny Murray on Mossley’s left wing and crossed for midfielder Stuart Vasey to volley home from ten yards.
Mossley had a great chance to retake the lead when Bryant broke clear to face Dovey one on one but the Mossley striker fluffed his lines this time and Dovey was able to make an easy save.
Liam Flynn came to Mossley’s rescue in the closing moments when he superbly saved Waddecar’s point blank diving header.
So the Lilywhites live to fight again as they face a replay visit to Bamber Bridge’s Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Tuesday.
Wiz
Smiffy's pics
Mitch Bryant scores Mossley's goal
