Joint Manager Dave Wild was a delighted man after seeing the Lilywhites record only their second away win of the season thanks to a terrific performance at Ramsbottom.

Goals from Mike Fish, Andy Keogh, Jack Tuohy and Tom Dean secured a much-needed three points with Wild declaring its only the start.

“The last seven games are going to be positive, competitive, workmanlike and we’re going to see the season out with a bang” said Wild.

Mossley made three changes to the starting line up as Callum Spencer came in for the injured Max Povey whilst Dieter Downey and Jack Tuohy also returned to the starting eleven.

After an even first quarter, the Lilywhites stepped up a gear and took the lead in the 33rd minute when Mike Fish raced clear of the Rams defence on the end of Mason Duffy’s clever through ball and finished low past Sam Ashton at his near post for this 91st goal for the club.

Just five minutes later Andy Keogh made the smiles on the faces of the travelling fans even bigger as he calmly walked around Ashton and two covering defenders before nonchalantly slotting home Mossley’s second goal of the game.

It was a convincing first half and the Lilywhites came out confident for the second 45 minutes. Mossley enjoyed plenty of possession from the restart, with Adam Latham firing over the bar after a good run.

The home side found themselves back in the match on 61 minutes when Dean Stott’s long range effort beat Callum Spencer to reduce the arrears.

That didn't dishearten Mossley as they responded perfectly to restore their two goal cushion just moments later. Mason Duffy’s cross found the head of Mike Fish who nodded down for Jack Tuohy to sweep the ball past Ashton from six yards.

The hosts refused to lie down though as Luke Jordan grabbed a second on 69 minutes following a neat move down the left.

Instead of sitting back and defending their lead, Mossley went forward in search of a fourth goal and that duly arrived on 74 minutes as Tom Dean headed home to send the travelling supporters wild with delight.

Jon Robinson should have made it a nervous last ten minutes but fired wide when well placed.

Mossley then saw the game out to take maximum points leaving Wild to reflect on a job well done.

“We’re really pleased with today. Myself, Phil and Terry came into it blind, not knowing much about the squad or knowing their strength and their weaknesses.

“It’s been important to get the likes of Tom Dean, Andy Keogh and Mike Fish on board who were loyal to Bandy and Lloyd. That’s a big part of what I believe in” said Wild.

On the final seven matches of the season, Wild added “I feel a lot less pressure going into the Glossop game because we’ve come here and won. It’s a positive.

“Have we had a good game, yes. Have our players proved themselves, yes” he added.

Francesca Doran