Mossley showed true grit and determination to take maximum points in the August Bank Holiday local derby at Droylsden.

The home side looked lively from the off and the Mossley defence were worked hard by the Bloods forwards as the Lilywhites were forced deep. However, it was Mossley who took the first real initiative as they forged ahead on 12 minutes.

The Mossley forwards put in a real shift closing down the Droylsden defence who's preference to play out from the back looked very ill-advised when Tom Pratt stole the ball from right back Philip Clarke and raced into the box to slot home from ten yards.

The Bloods showed determination to find an equaliser and young Lilywhites defender Logan Jeffs was called upon to make a spectacular goal-line clearance to deny Chris McDonagh's effort.

There were a few 'hairy moments' for the Mossley defence as some slick Droylsden passing around the Mossley box threatened to open the Lilywhites up.

However, Mossley constantly looked a threat on the break with the pace of Pratt and Damase Kiwanda and the guile along with probing of Mike Fish and skipper Andy Keogh always a threat.

A Droylsden rally at the end of the half almost brought reward but the Lilywhites held firm to take the solitary goal lead into the break.

Mossley flew out of the traps at the start of the second half and doubled the lead just three minutes in. Kyle McGonigle's long ball forward found Mike Fish and Bloods skipper Domaine Rouse challenging for the ball. Fish won the battle and did brilliantly to find the space to slide the ball home from eight yards.

The Droylsden attack had run out of ideas long before Mossley added their third goal on 75 minutes. Lilywhites 'man of the match' Tom Pratt again stole the ball off the toes of the hapless Clarke and raced clear. With the option of a sideways pass to give substiute Jordan Bove an open goal a possibility and with keeper James Coates caught in two minds, Pratt casually stroked the ball home at the near post.

Mossley almost grabbed a fourth as Keogh's header from a corner came back off the underside of the bar and Coates did well to tip over Jonah Gosling's powerful header.

Droylsden gained slight consolation and some faint hope when substitute Lingouba Cesaire made a mazy run and set up Stephen Lewis for a simple finish but it was too little too late for the home side.

Jordan Bove had a great chance to make it four for Mossley as he raced clear but Coates saved well at his feet.

Wiz