Mossley won through to their fourth Manchester Premier Cup Final in five years when beating Evo-stik League rivals Trafford 2-0 at Seel Park on Wednesday night.

In what was a scrappy first half it was Mossley who generally posed the greater goal threat despite Trafford probably edging the possession stakes.

There had been very few chances for either side when Mossley took the lead on 33 minutes.

Dave Short chased and held the ball up well on the left touchline following a cleared Mossley corner. Short laid the ball back for Kyle McGonigle who’s deep cross was headed home by centre back Tom Dean for his 8th goal of the season.

Mossley almost doubled the lead just before the break as Andy Keogh saw his twenty yard effort denied by Russ Saunders save and Dave Short’s powerful angled shot flew inches wide.

Trafford attacked with more purpose after the break with Liam Flynn twice denying former Mossley striker Chris McDonagh. First with a fantastic one handed point blank save from a powerful header and then saving at the Trafford striker’s feet as he burst through a rare gap in the Lilywhites’ defence.

McDonagh was foiled a third time, this time by a linesman’s flag as he fired home close range.

Backed up by another outstanding defensive display by the Lilywhites in keep a third successive clean sheet it was the Mossley who sealed the victory on 72 minutes.

Keogh and Tom Pratt worked a move on the right wing, Pratt’s pass found John Bennett who slipped the ball through for substitute Dougie Carroll to slot home a deserved goal after being denied by the post on several occasions in his recent appearances.

Thereafter, Mossley dominated proceedings and almost got a third when a thunderous Andy Keogh drive narrowly cleared the bar.

The Lilywhites can now look forward to a mouth-watering local derby in the final when they face old rivals Stalybridge Celtic at a venue and date to be announced shortly as Mossley seek to retain the trophy once more.

Wiz

Smiffy's pics

Tom Dean heads the opening goal