A superb Andy Keogh goal was enough to earn Mossley victory in an almost totally one side game against bottom markers Pickering Town at Seel Park on Saturday afternoon.
With a slightly adjusted line up which saw Ben Richardson and Gary Gee start in front of Dieter Downey and Chiekh Thiam, Mossley got off on the front foot and never relinquished their dominance despite the low narrow score-line.
Mossley had the ball in the net inside ten minutes but Ryan Brooke's cool finish was ruled out for an alleged push by Ben Halfacre.
Brad Lynch and Jes Uchegbulam were quickly proving to be a massive pain for the overworked Pickering defence and the visitors rode their luck on several occasions.
A rare Pickering attack was ended as Sam Cable headed wide from a decent position but it was all about Mossley's passing game as the Lilywhites kept Pickering mostly chasing shadows.
Steve Mason saw his goal bound drive deflected for a corner, Brad Lynch brought a good save out of Pickering keeper Foulkes and some amazing footwork by Uchegbulam saw him create space for a shot that flew narrowly wide.
The seemingly inevitable opening goal arrived on 26 minutes and it was an absolute beauty by 'captain fantastic' Andy Keogh who having stayed up after a partially cleared corner set himself before curling an un-savable 25 yard effort beyond Foulkes desperate reach from 25 yards.
Just before the break Lynch almost scored a second for Mossley but his curling effort flew just over the angle.
Mossley continued where they left off after the interval. Ryan Brooke headed wide and ben Halfacre headed over as great crosses came in from both wings while Brooke saw his shot turned away by Foulkes. Halfacre again went close and Ryan Brooke had an effort cleared off the line as Pickering defended desperately but a second goal wouldn't come.
There were late cameo appearances by Dylan Fitzgerald, having returned from his loan spell at Abbey Hey, and new signing Jamie Hill and both players threatened the Pickering goal to no avail.
Late drama saw Pickering right back Quinn Thompson red carded for a second book-able offence when he hacked down Brad Lynch in sheer frustration after the Mossley winger had run him ragged all afternoon.
Wiz
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