A flying start for Mossley paved the way for a comfortable 5-1 ’derby romp’ for the Lilywhites at Seel Park on Tuesday evening.

Mossley took the lead as early as the third minute when Mitch Bryant skipped through a gap in the visitors back line and sidestepped keeper Craig Ellison before stroking the ball home.

It took the Lilywhites only another seven minutes to double the lead. A long punt up field by keeper Liam Flynn saw Andy Keogh burst through unopposed to curl the ball beyond Ellison’s reach.

Mossley’s lively attacking play was causing the Droylsden defence all kinds of problems and it was no real surprise when a third goals was added on the half hour but it was a moment keeper Ellison will want to forget quickly. The Bloods keeper attempted to field Jacob Wood’s back pass under pressure from Bryant and somehow completely sliced his attempted clearance into his own net for a somewhat comical own goal.

Droyslden finally started to find a little fluency to their own play and pulled a goal back four minutes later. Domaine Rouse run and pass set up Dominic Smith who finished well with an angled shot.

Mossley looked the more likely to add to the score in the second half. Ellison saving at the feet of the dangerous Bryant before Caldon Henson’s run and low cross found Bryant who’s effort was cleared from over the line before Henson followed up to make sure from the attempted clearance. The goal credited to Bryant.

Ellison was replaced between the sticks moments later by sub keeper Sam Ramsbottom but he couldn’t prevent Mossley’s fifth goal. Substitute Mike Fish whipped in a corner from the right. Andy Keogh flicked on and Tom Dean rifled the ball home from ten yards.

Fish had a chance of his own as he burst through a gap but was denied by Ramsbottom’s outstretched leg.

With ten minutes remaining the game was halted due to an injury to the referee. After a near twenty minute delay as a replacement was sought. However, when a suitable candidate wasn’t found the game was finally completed with only one assistant.

When the game resumed it was more like a training match as Mossley sat comfortably on their lead while Droylsden came close when Smith’s powerful free kick skimmed the Mossley bar.

It was however, very much the Lilywhites night and a great response after the disappointment of the Clitheroe result

Wiz

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