Two first half penalties awarded against the Lilywhites, two controversial red cards and a host of missed chances ultimately cost the Lilywhites victory against ‘bogey’ team Burscough at an icy Seel Park on Saturday.

Burscough as always were lively opponents and the visitors opened brightly but it was Mossley who broke the deadlock on 14 minutes.

Mossley won a right wing corner, Scott Kay crossed from the flag kick and Tom Dean rose highest to power home an unstoppable header.

Sam Robinson thought he had doubled Mossley’s lead shortly after but he was considered narrowly off-side and his effort was disallowed.

The lead lasted until the 27th minute when Michael Monaghan went down a little easily in a challenge in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Burscough skipper Paul Williams netted from the resultant penalty.

Mossley thought they had scored when Mike Fish burst through only to see his seemingly goal-bound effort come back off the inside of the post. Fish reacted quickly but saw his effort from the rebound blocked on the line by a defender and the chance was gone.

Mossley were dealt another blow three minutes before the break when Burscough were awarded a second penalty when Will Jones’ powerful drive struck Mike Thomas on the arm. Harsh on Mossley! Williams again netted from the spot.

Worse was to come for Mossley when the visitors best attacking move of the game saw Karl Noon stretch the visitors lead to a flattering 3-1 just six minutes after the break.

Mossley continued to ask most of the questions and chances again went begging before the next blow when Kyle McGonigle looked to have won a super challenge in midfield only for the referee to see it differently and the unfortunate McGonigle was shown a straight red card.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mossley continued to press and substitutes Mitch Bryant and Dougie Carroll combined for Carroll to stroke the ball home from ten yards on 72 minutes.

However, with Mossley pushing for an equaliser Mitch Bryant again got involved in a needless off the ball incident and he too was shown a straight red card.

Despite now being down to nine men Mossley continued to attack as Burscough tried to slow the game down to stopped at every opportunity, but what would have been a deserved positive result didn’t materialise and Burscough held on to take the victory and leave Mossley licking their collective wounds.

Wiz

Smiffy's pics

Tom Dean heads the opening goal