Mossley eased through to the next round of the FA Trophy with a single goal victory over League rivals Harrogate Railway Athletic at Seel Park on Saturday.

Mossley were without the injured Tom Pratt but Michael Thomas returned to the side following his injury.

The first half was dominated by defences with neither side making many inroads. Dave Short had the best chance of the opening exchanges but his header lacked the power to trouble Rail keeper Goodwin.

At the other end it took a great save by Liam Flynn to deny Charlie Clamp’s powerfully struck effort.

Sam Robinson and Scott Kay both went close before the break but it was honours even to that point.

The second half was a different story as Mossley stepped up a gear and began to fully dominate the game.

Mossley looked to have taken the lead when Dave Short turned home from Kyle McGonigle’s long throw but the effort was ruled out for off-side despite Rail having two players on the goal line.

Robinson and Short both went close as Mossley began to turn the screw while half time substitute Mike Fish caused Rail’s now overworked defence plenty of problems on the right when linking up with Caldon Henson. Likewise on the other wing were Lee Wilshaw’s link up play with Sam Robinson was excellent.

What proved to be the winning goal came on 75 minutes but in unlucky circumstances for the visitors. Fish found his way past his marker on the right and his firm low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Alex Low.

Goodwin made a great save to deny Andy Keogh and from the clearance Caldon Henson fired a thunderbolt that rattled the side netting.

Harrogate having been on the back foot for most of the half finally created a chance by substitute Sharrocks wasn’t able to make the most of it.

However, it was Mossley who finished in the ascendancy and went close again when substitute Dougie Carroll was denied by Goodwin.

Mossley will welcome the £2,500 prize money to boost the clubs coffers and can now look forward to a daunting trip to face current Premier Division leaders Darlington 1883 in the next round at the end of October.

Wiz

Smiffy's pics