Mossley’s unbeaten start to 2019 came to an abrupt end at the hands of League leaders Atherton Collieries at Seel Park on Saturday.

With an again unchanged line up Mossley made a great start to the game, playing some flowing football and forcing several early corners.

The Lilywhites were unlucky not to take the lead on 15 minutes when Max Leonard thundered a powerful drive off the angle of past and bar.

Mossley were creating all the better openings and Leonard had an effort cleared off the line while Ben Halfacre and Andy Keogh both saw powerful shots fly centimetres wide.

However, following a goalless first half the Lilywhites lost their way somewhat following the interval. After Halfacre had seen his powerful drive clear the bar the visitors took the lead on 52 minutes. Ollerenshaw made a good save from Conway to concede a corner but from the flag kick Ian Rowlands found space to turn the ball home from six yards.

Clearly lifted by the goal Colls began to dominate and a thumping Bentham shot cannoned against the Mossley bar before the visitors doubled the lead and wrapped up the points on 74 minutes when Ollerenshaw was unable to prevent Ben Hardcastle's shot from dipping past him from 25 yards.

Mossley tried to fight their way back into the game but were hampered by playing into the teeth of a strengthening wind and by now driving rain.

Adam Jones had a late chance to halve the arrears but his effort flew wide from a good position.

Wiz