Mossley fell to their 12th away defeat of the season at Atherton Collieries on Saturday but the Lilywhites were again victims of some contentious decisions which contributed to the defeat.

On a heavy pitch which was bordering on unplayable Mossley had first use of the Alder Street slope but failed to take full advantage in a dull first half that saw the home side come closest to breaking the deadlock as the dangerous Jordan Cover saw his effort blocked by Mossley keeper Johny Diba Musangu and also had another effort that hit the foot of a Mossley post.

Mossley for their part came closest when Liam Ellis burst clear but was forced wide and the home side were able to clear the danger.

Too often the referee's whistle blew in the home side’s favour with Mossley getting little joy from the officials often bizarre decisions.

The second half saw Atherton take the lead within five minutes of the restart. Two mis-timed defensive headers allowed Jordan Cover to pounce to finish well from fifteen yards.

Mossley tried to force a way back into the game, pinning Colls back for two lengthy spells but were unable to get a clear sight at goal despite plenty of probing from Mason Duffy and the newly re-signed Andy Keogh.

The Lilywhites fell two behind with ten minutes remaining. Cover raced through from a seemingly off-side position to round the stranded Mossley keeper before slotting home as strong protests were waved away by the officials.

Mossley pressed again and a frantic goalmouth scramble saw substitute Tom Fisher’s effort somehow blocked on the line.

However, with five minutes remaining a long ball out of defence saw Cover the only outfield player in Mossley’s half and as Mossley’s off-side appeals fell on deaf ears the Atherton striker raced clear to complete his hat-trick.

Mossley restored a little pride in the final minute when Mike Fish’s cross from the right was acrobatically volleyed home by Jamie McLellan but it was too little too late for a Mossley side who seem unable to do much right or get much luck on their travels this season.

Wiz