Mossley completed what has been a largely disappointing 2016/17 Evo-stik League campaign with a 3-2 victory at Tadcaster Albion on Saturday to leapfrog their hosts in the final table to a 17th place finish.

The Lilywhites were without the suspended Mitch Bryant, unavailable Callum Scullion and the injured Mo Ali and Rob Flynn for the game which meant the versatile Keenan Quansah slotting in at left back and only a second start for winger Danny Byrnes. Both players were outstanding performers in a game where the narrow 3-2 score-line didn't really do the in form Lilywhites justice.

Tadcaster were. however, first to show as Piteu Crouz saw his effort hit the top of the Mossley bar but Mossley were soon in control.

The opening goal came on 20 minutes. Liam Ellis burst down the right and whipped in a superb cross which was met by Tom Pratt at the far post with Pratt's shot looping into the roof of the Tadcaster net.

The pace and movement of Byrnes, Ellis, Pratt and Mason Duffy caused the home defence plenty of problems with home keeper Hallwood by far the busier custodian.

Mossley deservedly doubled their lead within a minute of the second half opening. A terrific mazy run down the right wing by Byrnes saw the young winger race past defenders before crossing for Elliot Harrison to turn home a deflected shot for his second goal in successive games.

Mossley were in cruise control and missed a couple of decent opportunities to stretch the lead further before Josh Barrett gave the home side hope when he headed home ex Manchester United star Jonathon Greening's right wing free kick on 55 minutes.

Tadcaster then enjoyed their best spell of the game but it didn't last long as Mossley again stepped up the gas. More chances went begging to put the game to bed before the Lilywhites made it 3-1 on 81 minutes. Substitute Danny McLaughlin raced through the right channel and despite appearing to lose his balance he somehow squeezed the ball back into the path of Tom Pratt who tapped home his second goal of the game.

Tadcaster again gave themselves some hope with five minutes remaining when Tom Corner raced through a gap with Mossley appealing for off-side and slotted the ball past Will Jones despairing dive.

The Lilywhites comfortably held on to the lead through to the whistle to take maximum points from a positive and promising display to end the season on a happy note. Bring on the 2017/18 season.

Wiz