Mossley put in a hard grafting performance to earn a deserved 2-1 victory over rivals Ramsbottom United at Seel Park on Saturday.

The Lilywhites with only one previous home League success this season were a different beast on this occasion, showing great workmanship and spirit to take the points against a team who beat them 4-2 in the reverse fixture just a few weeks earlier.

The team showed a number of changes from the one beaten at Lancaster City in their last outing. In came the newly re-signed Sam Robinson ad James Blair and a debut was also given to 19 years old left Callum Scullion signed on work experience from Oldham Athletic. All three acquitted themselves admirably.

In a high tempo game played in excellent conditions both sides looked to get the ball down and play attacking football. The tone for the day was set early on when Niki-Lee Bulmer made a spectacular catch from a viciously swerving right wing cross and quickly after the Lilywhites took the lead.

Good work by Robinson and Tom Pratt opened up the space for Andy Keogh who curled an absolute beauty beyond the dive of Ramy keeper Albinson and into the bottom right corner of the net from fully 25 yards.

Ramsbottom’s ’star’ striker Gareth Seddon fired a warning shot just wide as the visitors hit back, but it became a game of few chances as both defences coped well. The visitors probably shaded the first half possession but their shooting was largely inaccurate and the Lilywhites led 1-0 at the break.

The second half saw Mossley on top but Ramy’s experienced forwards remained a threat as their midfield maestro Alex Meaney probed for openings. Fortunately, no such openings appeared as Lilywhites centre backs Tom Dean and Logan Jeffs kept their threat at bay.

Mossley doubled their lead on 81 minutes as Keogh’s through ball saw substitute Dave Short power through to dip a great volley beyond Albinson and the points looked safe.
However, three minutes later Ramy hit back. Seddon’s shot cannoned off a post following a corner and centre back Paul Linwood knocked home the rebound to give the visitors hope of a comeback.

However, despite the referee somehow finding almost six minutes stoppage time, the Lilywhites held firm for an important and thoroughly deserved three points.

Wiz

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