Mossley were unfortunately second best as neighbours Droylsden edged home by the odd goal in seven at a foggy Seel Park on Tuesday night.

The Lilywhites side showed three enforced changes from the one which thrashed Colwyn Bay last week with keeper Niki-Lee Bulmer and defender Logan Jeffs injured while new striker Darrhyl Mason was unavailable.

It was sadly a pale shadow of that performance as the visitors dominated large portions of the game, passed the ball better and created more chances. The 3-4 score-line more flattered Mossley than it did their visitors.

It all started well enough for the Lilywhites as they took a 5th minute lead. Tom Pratt played a beauty of a through ball into the path of Mike Fish who clipped home his 22nd goal of the season to put Mossley ahead.

Mossley looked well on top at this stage but Droylsden gradually edged their way into the game. Will Jones made a great tip over save to deny Jamie Frost as the Bloods stepped up a gear and finally earned their equaliser on 25 minutes when the ball broke kindly in the box from a deep left wing cross for Tom Peers to side-foot home from ten yards.

Mossley were briefly back in charge on 39 minutes when Sam Robinson and Andy Keogh worked a move to set up Tom Pratt to slot home. But the Lilywhites joy was short lived as Bloods skipper Domaine Rouse coasted past some poor tackles to score a well taken solo goal just a minute later.

The game was in the balance as the second half started but it was Droylsden who took the bit between their teeth, playing some great pass and move football which left the Lilywhites often floundering.

The visitors went ahead for the first time in the game on 63 minutes when Liam Caddick got on the end of a ball from deep and scored with a well taken finish.

Droylsden sealed the victory on 75 minutes when Adam Farrell scored with a daisy cutter 20 yard free kick which went in off the foot of Will Jones’ right hand post.

Mossley tried to find a way back into the game but their passing was below standard. However, the Lilywhites almost created a grandstand finish when substitute Mason Duffy curled home an absolute beauty from Keogh’s delicate pass but it was too little too late and Droylsden held on to take the points.

Wiz

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