Mossley maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a hard fought draw against much-fancied Trafford.

The Lilywhites created the better chances in the opening period, their pace and movement causing a headache for the visitors defence. Elliot Harrison saw his fiercely struck long-range drive beaten away by Grant Shenton who again came to Trafford’s rescue to deny Adam Latham.

The hosts continued to press with Liam Ellis firing over the crossbar from inside the area. At the other end, Ollie Martin pushed Trafford’s best effort of the opening period around the post.

Despite Mossley dominating the chances, Tom Baker’s side always remained a threat with their strong, direct approach and the physicality of Striker James Dean who met his match with Lilywhites captain Tom Dean in a pulsating duel.

The deadlock was broken on 55 minutes when Latham controlled a searching pass and produced a brilliant finish, firing low past Shenton from a tight angle. Moments later, Tom Dean almost made it two but saw his effort cleared off the line.

Trafford levelled on the hour when a left wing cross took a wicked deflection and fell to Scott Sephton who headed home from close range.

Both sides pushed on in the closing stages, Mossley creating the better chances with Trafford looking increasingly dangerous on the break.

In the end both sides settled for a point from another exciting encounter witnessed by a healthy Seel Park crowd.

Report by Matthew Hayton

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