Mossley ran out comfortable winners at Radcliffe Borough on the opening day of the season on a warm sunny Saturday at Boro’s newly rebranded ‘Belvoir Stadium’

The Mossley starting eleven showed four debutants - keeper Will Jones, left back Lee Wilshaw, midfielder Rory Breslin and left winger Luke Horrocks. All four players making a positive impact.

After a lively opening by the home side which saw a couple of efforts fly high and wide. Mossley settled into their stride and found the home back four highly vulnerable to the quick counter attack. Mitch Bryant on his return to competitive football was a constant threat, as were the lively Tom Pratt, Sam Robinson and new boy Horrocks.

Mossley took the lead in the 19th minute. Horrocks’ ball over the top of the Boro right back saw Bryant race clear up the left touch line and his perfect cross to the far post saw Tom Pratt race in unmarked to rifle home on the half volley from ten yards.

Robinson had a great chance to double the advantage when played clean through but Boro keeper Cheetham saved with an outstretched leg.

At the other end Will Jones was called into action making a flying save to keep out Matthew Carr’s free kick.

The result was sealed six minutes after the interval, but not in the intended way. Bryant was felled in the box by Aaron Walters as he prepared to shoot and the referee awarded a spot kick. Walters yellow carded for his offence. However, Robinson saw his firmly struck spot kick saved by the diving Cheetham. Fortunately for the visitors the ball broke left to Luke Horrocks who slammed home a debut goal from a tricky angle.

There was no way back for the home side soon after when Walters earned a second yellow for a foul on Pratt and the home side were down to ten men

Mossley gave three more players their debuts in substitutes Rhys Nevins, Ryan Hibbert and Dave Short and Mossley remained the greater goal threat through to the finish.

A good start for the Lilywhites but there will be far tougher games than this to come over the course of season, but, early signs are for sure promising.

Wiz