A much changed Mossley side pushed Evo-stik Premier Bamber Bridge all the way at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium on Tuesday night only to bow out of the Integro NPL Cup at the first hurdle to a last minute goal.

Matty Kay, Adam Latham and Danny McLaughlin were all given their first starts of the season while Dieter Downey returned following suspension.

The first half belonged almost completely to the home side who’s excellent player rotation in midfield and attack caused the Mossley defence, playing into a strong wind, plenty of problems.

The first real chance fell to Alistair Waddecar but he was denied by a fantastic Jonny Diba Musangu save at point blank range.
Boyd, Darr and White also went close in what ended a goalless first half.

The second was a much more even affair as Mossley began to finally create opportunities.

Ben Halfacre had a goal-bound shot blocked, while Adam Latham was also unlucky with a near post effort.

Mossley’s resurgence was rewarded on 72 minutes. Substitute Mason Duffy’s effort was deflected for a corner and the same player’s right wing flag kick saw Logan Jeffs score with a powerful near post header from eight yards.

The home side found an equaliser with ten minutes remaining as Matt Dudley’s deflected shot from deep on Mossley’s right took a wicked deflection to wrong foot Diba Musangu and find the Mossley net.

Mason Duffy had a great chance to win it for Mossley in the last minute but was denied by a great defensive block to deny his goal-bound effort and the game looked set for a penalty shoot out.

However, seconds later the result swung in the home side’s favour as Milligan’s clever through ball released on loan Chorley striker Jordan Darr who raced through to cleverly clip the ball over the advancing Mossley keeper and send Bamber Bridge through to the next round.

Wiz