Mossley cruised into the semi finals of the Manchester FA Premier Cup at an extremely wet and windy Seel Park on Tuesday night.

There never looked any danger of a cup upset against visitors Irlam who ply their trade two divisions below the Lilywhites and it was something of a one sided contest.

Dave Short and Tom Pratt returned to the starting line up with Lee Wilshaw also returning to the side following injury.

Mossley kept possession for longer periods, playing some quality football despite the wild conditions and created just enough opportunities to win the game by a comfortable margin.

The Lilywhites controlled the tempo of the game from the off but wasted some half decent chances before finally taking the lead on 14 minutes.

Tom Pratt was fouled around 22 yards out and Kyle McGonigle stepped up to drive a superb high powered daisy cutter of a shot into the far corner of the net from the resulting free kick.

Irlam were hard working but limited as an attacking force and the Lilywhites back line were rock solid and rarely troubled.

The second goal inevitably arrived on 36 minutes. From a short corner on the right Andy Keogh worked his way across the edge of the Irlam box before he slipped the ball through for centre back Tom Dean to provide a strikers finish from an awkward angle.

Mossley continued to dominate in the second half and scored their third of the evening on 56 minutes. Dave Short drilling an excellent low thirty yard drive that gave keeper White no chance.

The scoring was completed in the 65th minute when Tom Pratt’s 25 yard effort took a slight deflection before nestling in the Irlam net.

There were further opportunities for Mossley to add to their lead but non were taken but for certain 4-0 didn’t flatter the hosts who can now look forward to the semi final draw.

Wiz

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