Match Reports

2003-04

ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE!
Mossley 2 Ramsbottom United 2

Mossley almost but not quite blew the League title today despite outplaying visitors Ramsbottom for long periods of the game. Fortunate for Mossley that Clitheroe lost their penultimate game this afternoon going down 1-0 at home to Newcastle. Clitheroe now need at least a draw from their final fixture at Nantwich Town next Saturday. Mossley opened very brightly and looked capable of over-running the visitors with Josh Howard and Adam Morning finding lots of room on the flanks. Unfortunetaly Mossley found the linesmans flag raised on too many occasions and struggled to find the breakthrough. Mossley drew first blood in the 8th minute when Matty Taylor's through ball found Rhodri Giggs who rounded the keeper to score from an improbable angle on the right. Mossley were dominant but Giggs and Steve Tobin shot straight at the keeper and several other chances flashed wide before Lee Buggie rocked Mossley on 13 minutes when he rifled home after Swailes had attacked the area where the injured and off the pitch Matty Taylor had just vacated. Mossley continued to dominate and Giggs had the ball in the net only to be flagged offside when it looked unlikely that it was but deservedly regained the lead a minute before the break when Mark Phillips headed home Morning's right wing corner. The second half was equally one way traffic but Mossley were a little too comfortable and a tendancy to overplay was finally fatal as Mark Phillips stumbled in possession in the 72nd minute and Matty Swailes beat Melville in a one on one to level the scores in the most unlikely manner! Leon Mike fired home a 25 yard free kick only to be penalised as the referee had raised his arm foir an indirect free kick and Mossley couldn't find another way through as Eatock saved brilliantly to deny Howard and Mike looked to be dragged back as he bore down on goal about to shoot. Missed chances and some impertinent time wasting by the visitors inevitably cost Mossley victory and now it goes right to the wire!
Team:
1. Phil Melville (6)
2. Matty Taylor (6)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Dave Brown (7) Y
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Mark Phillips (7)
7. Adam Morning (6)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Rhodri Giggs (8*)
10. Leon Mike (8)
11. Josh Howard (7)
Subs:
12. Shaun Dootson (7) (for Tobin 84 mins)
14. Chris Downey (7) (for Morning 67 mins)
15. Leyton Slack (6) (for Howard 84 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Rhodri Giggs...worked his socks off leading the line again!
Verdict: I can't hold my breath this long....!

ONE IS JUST ENOUGH!
Glossop North End 0 Mossley 1

Mossley had a second half own goal to thank for victory in today's enforced replay at Surrey Street in a largely one-sided game. Missed chances and excellent goalkeeping kept Mossley at bay as wave after wave of Mossley attacks came on an almost impossible playing surface. Giggs, Mike, Morning, Tobin, Meadowcroft and Matty Taylor all came desperately close to opening the scoring while at the other end Glossop created two good chances but Phil Melville was in no mood to be beaten on this day.
If the first half was mostly one way traffic the second half saw Mossley's domination complete and it seemed only a matter of time when the goal would come, but Glossop custodian Williams was excelling again as Mossley laid siege to the home sides goal. The inevitable winner finally arrived in the 72nd minute. A great move down the left involving Morning, Tobin, Mike and Downey saw the ball arrive to Rhodri Giggs at the far post and his misplaced header caught out defender Andy Sherlock who inadvertently blasted the ball into his own net from close range to the great joy and relief of the typically large contingent of Mossley supporters. Mossley held what they had with ease through to the final whistle with Glossop's threat totally nullified by Mossley's commanding defence.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (8)
2. Matty Taylor (8)

3. Danny Meadowcroft (8)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Mark Phillips (8)
7. Adam Morning (8)
8. Steve Tobin (8)
9. Rhodri Giggs (9*)
10. Leon Mike (8)
11. Simon Heaton (8)
Subs:
12. Chris Downey (8) (for Heaton 60 mins)
14. Russ Headley (not used)
15. John Murphy (not used)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Rhodri Giggs...worked his socks off leading the line!
Verdict: One game to go and we can still win the title!

MOSSLEY THRASH SALFORD!
Salford City 1 Mossley 5

Mossley had just too much class for a very average Salford side at Moor Lane this afternoon and did their goal difference another power of good with a five goal haul. Mossley were the better side throughout and they came close on several occasions before taking a fully deserved lead in the 29th minute. Adam Morning's pin-point corner from the left was powerfully headed home by Steve Sheil who arrived determinedly at the near post. Seven minutes later Mossley doubled the advantage and ended the game as a contest as Rhodri Giggs and Josh Howard worked a great move down the right and the latter crossed low from the dead ball line for Adam Morning to lash home from six yards. Three minutes after the interval Mossley added a third when Leon Mike caught a defender in possession 25 yards out and took his tally for the season to 19 with a crisp shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. A minute later Salford surprisingly reduced the arrears when Melville got in a tangle when attempting to fly kick clear on the right of the penalty area and the ball was crossed too close to goal to prevent Mark Phillips from unluckily helping the ball into his own net while attempting to clear. Salford's spirits were lifted for a spell and they enjoyed their first period of prolonged possession but Paul Taylor and Phillips were not for budging and Salford could create little. When Mossley did venture forward they looked like scoring with every attack and it was no surprise when a fourth was added in the 71st minute when Giggs, despite slipping, somehow managed to set up Dave Brown for a close range strike. The scoring, on a comfortable afternoon for Mossley, was completed four minutes later when Morning's right wing corner was powerfully headed home at the near post by substitute Chris Downey for a goal that perfectly mirrored the game's opener.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (5)
2. Matty Taylor (7)

3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Dave Brown (7)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Mark Phillips (8)
7. Adam Morning (8)
8. Steve Tobin (9*)
9. Rhodri Giggs (7)
10. Leon Mike (8)
11. Josh Howard (7)
Subs:
12. Shaun Dootson (7) (for Brown 71 mins)
14. Chris Downey (7) (for L.Mike 64 mins)
15. Simon Heaton (8) (for Howard 45 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Steve Tobin...seriously back on form and ran the show in midfield!
Verdict: Almost too easy!!!

IT COULD HAVE BEEN TWENTY!!
Mossley 6 Atherton Collieries 2

Mossley missed enough chances to have won 10 games tonight as they opened up bottom club Atherton Colieries fragile defence at will, but proceded to miss countless chances in a thoroughly one sided game that from Mossley's point of view was only marred by two glaring goalkeeping errors. Leon Mike completed a hat-trick and scored Mossley's 100th League goal of the season with his third, while Mark Phillips made a surprise return to the side in place of Stockport County teenager Danny Meadowcroft. The writing was on the wall as early as 20 seconds when Rhodri Giggs missed the chance to give Mossley possibly the fastest goal of the season following a flowing move that saw him blaze over the bar from only a yard out. Mossley were rocked however, when, in their first attack the visitors took a shock lead. One time Mossley trialist Andy Bridge fired home after Phil Melville had punched short from a right wing cross. This in only the 2nd minute. Mossley poured forward almost unopposed and created chance after chance, but, Josh Howard in particular had left his scoring boots at home and although being a creative influence throughout, had decent opportunities to score on at least five occasions but each time found the keeper in the way with some tame shooting. Mossley finally earned their long overdue equaliser in the 32nd minute when Leon Mike did well to hold the ball up, despite slipping, and wriggled free on the left to cross for Rhodri Giggs to make up for his earlier miss with a flashing header that gave Osbourne no chance. That the scores remained locked at 1-1 at the interval was as much due to Mossley's tendancy to overplay in Collieries box as with the lowly visitors increasingly shaky defending. The Lilywhites finally edged in front eight minutes after the break when Steve Tobin and Adam Morning were involved and March 'Player of the Month' Steve Sheil,who had stayed up from a corner, drove home through a crowded box from 15 yards. There was only going to be one winner from thereon as Mossley continued to carve open Colls back line and Leon Mike made it 3-1 two minutes later as he received the ball 40 yards from goal, turned on a sixpence and sped away from the covering defenders before slotting home an excellent goal. Moments later Colls lost goalkeeper Osbourne on a stretcher with a leg injury after he had over-committed himself preventing Giggs from breaking through and midfielder Mark Denham went in goal. Denham excelled with a couple of saves, particularly with a spectacular dive to deny Leon Mike a second. That moment was to arrive in the 69th minute though, when he rifled home after Colls had failed to clear their lines. Colls reduced the arrears when team captain Mark Isherwood curled home a free kick from 20 yards on the left with Melville's positioning letting him down. The ever dangerous Leon Mike completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute, superbly finishing Tobin's low left wing cross and was substituted moments later to great applause for his goalscoring feats and his replacement Chris Downey was soon in the action having an effort hit the side netting before scoring Mossley's sixth and final goal four minutes from time when he hammered the ball home from 20 yards after Dave Brown had set him up with a great pass.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (6)
2. Matty Taylor (6)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Dave Brown (7)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Mark Phillips (7)
7. Adam Morning (7)
8. Steve Tobin (8)
9. Rhodri Giggs (8)
10. Leon Mike (9*)
11. Josh Howard (7)
Subs:
12. Shaun Dootson (5) (for M.Taylor 73 mins)
14. Chris Downey (8) (for L.Mike 82 mins)
15. Simon Heaton (7) (for Morning 77 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Leon Mike...Looked likely to score every time he received the ball and scored a superb hat-trick.
Verdict: One day Mossley will score ten in a competitive match, I just hope I'm still alive to see it!

DISASTER!!!
Woodley Sports 4 Mossley 2

Mossley failed to show the same level of commitment as their hosts in today's potential title decider and paid the ultimate price as the lively Woodley forward line had something of a field day against a stretched Mossley defence. The game opened brightly enough and it should have been a boost when Woodley left back Mark Egerton was red carded for stamping on Tony Coyne after bringing him down on the edge of the box in the 13th minute. Coyne played no further part as he left the field with a suspected broken arm. The free kick came to naught and five minutes later Mossley found themselves a goal down after Meadowcroft, who's inexperience showed all afternoon, allowed Mike Norton far too much room and the lively striker fired into the bottom corner from 20 yards disappointingly beating Melville at his near post. The home side's lead was doubled in the 26th minute as the heavens opened and a corner from the left was powerfully headed home by the unmarked Mickey Ryan and Mossley were reeling at 2-0 down simply due to not defending. The half time introduction of Leon Mike and Adam Morning for the ineffective Downey and Headley lifted Mossley's spirits and the Lilywhites were much more of a goal threat thereafter. The arrears were reduced as early as the 51st minute when Steve Sheil's long throw from the left was missed by everyone and Mossley's most effective player on the day Dave Brown volleyed home from close range at the far post to give Mossley hope of a comeback. Those hopes were dashed by another defensive howler in the 67th minute when Brickell broke down the left and as Dootson slid in for the challenge the ball squirmed across the line behind Phil Melville who inadvertently helped the ball into the net for a goal that had a relieved and delighted Woodley laughing all the way back to the half way line. It just got worse for Mossley when Mike Norton scored his second from a suspiciously off-side position 12 minutes later and it was game over. Mossley still threatened going forward though and Leon Mike made it 4-2 when he fired home from close range after Josh Howard's shot had been blocked following Morning's left wing corner. Mossley, throwing caution to the wind nearly snatched another but the ball stuck on the line in a goalmouth scramble that was eventually cleared and Mossley's title aspirations took a very severe dent.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (5)
2. Matty Taylor (7)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Dave Brown (9*)
5. Paul Taylor (6) Y
6. Danny Meadowcroft (4)
7. Russ Headley (5)
8. Tony Coyne (x)
9. Rhodri Giggs (6)
10. Chris Downey (5)
11. Josh Howard (7)
Subs:
12. Leon Mike (7) Y (for Downey 45 mins)
14. Shaun Dootson (6) (for Coyne 15 mins)
15. Adam Morning (6) (for Headley 45 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Dave Brown...never say die!!!
Verdict: Mossley let themselves down badly and have no-one else to blame!

CREAM RISES TO THE TOP!
Mossley 2 Squires Gate 1

Mossley could be accused of making hard work of tonight's victory over lowly Squires Gate but they weren't in the least aided by officials who had ideas that Squires Gate should be awarded a free kick every 30 seconds. That Mossley overcame this obvious handicap is great credit to the players and management for sticking to the game plan and patiently wearing down the Fylde coast club who worked very hard to keep the score respectable. Mossley opened very brightly and kept the visitors pinned in their own half for a lengthy spell before the referee gave an insight into what was to come by awarding Gate a free kick in a dangerous position after Steve Sheil had won the ball cleanly and made no contact with the player. It was difficult for Mossley to get up a head of steam thereafter, as the officials constant intervention threatened to boil the game over. Mossley finally gained reward for their obvious superiority in the 32nd minute with a goal from an unlikely source. Matty Taylor hit a long cross from deep on the right and Russ Headley arrived at the far post to head the ball beyond the reach of Gate keeper Bamber. The second half began more sedately but it was a major shock when the visitors fashioned an unlikely equaliser which began with another harshly awarded free kick and ended with Craig Boothby looping a header over the despairing dive of Phil Melville. Gate couldn't believe their luck and started to take longer over throw ins' being perfectly happy with 1-1. Mossley for their part continued to press forward and Sheil had a great chance with a header but he mistimed Giggs' inch perfect cross and cleared the bar by a distance. Giggs was unlucky on a couple of occasions, particularly when he hit an upright after a great run and cross by Matty Taylor, and also had a couple of dubious off-sides given against him before the richly deserved winner came in the 67th minute. Steve Sheil launched a long throw from out on the right hand touch line and 'captain fantastic' Paul Taylor arrived through a crowded box to rifle home a close range header and send the Mossley fans wild with delight. News broke that Nantwich were winning at Clitheroe and the volume rose again. However, it was the officials who decided the course of the game through the remaining minutes. Adam Morning broke down the right wing and crossed low in front of fellow substitute Leon Mike who burried his shot for a great goal that a linesman decided he didn't like and the score remained 2-1, even as the referee gave Squires Gate an endless stream of free kicks as the game reached it's conclusion, causing a previously concrete defence to give birth to a few kittens!
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Danny Meadowcroft (7)
5. Paul Taylor (9*)
6. Dave Brown (8)
7. Russ Headley (7)
8. Tony Coyne (8) Y
9. Rhodri Giggs (8) Y
10. Chris Downey (7)
11. Josh Howard (8)
Subs:
12. Leon Mike (7) (for Downey 62 mins)
14. Leyton Slack (not used)
15. Adam Morning (7) (for Headley 68 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Paul Taylor...captain fantastic!
Verdict: Mossley 2 Squires Gate 1, Clitheroe 0 Nantwich Town 1, nuff said!

ONE GOAL IS ENOUGH!
Alsager Town 0 Mossley 1

Mossley showed a great deal of patience to finally break down the stubborn resistance of Alsager Town at the Town Ground this afternoon. The claret & blues of Mossley were dominant throughout the match as Alsager typically defended deep and allowed Mossley little space in the box. A succession of corners throughout the first half brought no reward as Powner tipped over Brown's acrobatic volley, Headley's shot lacked power, Tobin had a shot deflected narrowly wide, Howard opted to pass rather than shoot after working a great move with Giggs and Matty Taylor, Downey's fierce drive was blocked painfully by a defender's manhood and Giggs had a couple of efforts that narrowly missed the target as Mossley rampaged forward at every opportunity. Alsager's long ball game caused very little consternation for Mossley's rearguard and on another day Mossley could easily have been five nil up by the break instead of goalless. Alsager enjoyed more possession upon resumption but Mossley were still forcing corners at regular intervals without finding the target. As the game wore on there was a danger that Alsager might steal a result but that possible eventuality was avoided when Phil Melville made a spectacular save from free kick specialist Kinsey after Meadowcroft had been penalised for a foul. Mossley's reward finally and deservedly arrived ten minutes from time. Substitute Adam Morning raced past his marker and delivered a low cross that Alsager failed to clear, the ball broke to Steve Tobin and his delicate lob forward found Chris Downey racing clear to the left, for former Bolton Wanderers striker's low drive had too much power for the home keeper and Mossley players and fans celebrated wildly! Alsager tried in vain to claw their way back but their negative attitude to the game was a hard system to change and Mossley held on easily for another well earned three points.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (8)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Danny Meadowcroft (6)
7. Russ Headley (7)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Rhodri Giggs (7)
10. Chris Downey (8)
11. Josh Howard (8*) Y
Subs:
12. Tony Coyne (not used)
14. Leyton Slack (not used)
15. Adam Morning (7) (for Headley 75 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Josh Howard...worried Alsager everytime he was on the ball!
Verdict: Another deserved victory and more pressure on Clitheroe at the top!

MOSSLEY RUN RIOT!
Mossley 7 Abbey Hey 2

Mossley's resurgance continued tonight as the rampant Lilywhites demolished struggling Abbey Hey 7-2 at Seel Park. Abbey's side contained six former Mossley players but the visitors had no answer to a Mossley side that allowed Abbey to come on to them and then responded at high speed with some lightning fast attacking moves that had the hard working but technically limited visitors at sixes and sevens. Mossley were in control from the off and the only surprise was that it took 16 minutes to open the scoring. Steve Sheil's free kick from deep on the left was controlled and poked home by the quick feet of Josh Howard. Five minutes later Mossley forged a second when a great run by Leyton Slack set up Rhodri Giggs who calmly struck the ball past a stranded keeper from 15 yards. Two minutes later Abbey stunned Mossley with a goal out of the blue as a cross from the right was met by the diving shoulder of one time Mossley trialist John Thornton who's effort looped over Phil Melville into the top corner. The two goal gap was restored in the 28th minute when Giggs was upended by Abbey keeper Mottershead and Chris Downey blasted home from the spot kick. A superb move involving Matty Taylor, Steve Tobin and Josh Howard ended with a great finish by Chris Downey for his second goal in four minutes. Five minutes later Abbey were given a feint glimmer of hope when ex Mossley player Rob Trees drove a great dipping volley from 25 yards that gave Melville, who was now visibly struggling with an injury, no chance. After the break Mossley protected Melville with reasonable comfort after adding a fifth goal four minutes after the break. Steve Tobin released Rhodri Giggs who delightfully chipped over the stranded Mottershead from 20 yards. The sixth goal was brilliantly rifled home on the turn from 25 yards by substitute Leon Mike in the 67th minute just two minutes after he entered the arena. The scoring was wrapped up in the 85th minute when a corner from the right saw Paul Taylor and Tobin have shots blocked before Chris Downey received the ball in a crowded area, turned brilliantly to beat the last defdender with a tricky back-heel and completed his hat-trick in fine style, rifling home from 6 yards to complete a memorable home debut.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Matty Taylor (9)
3. Steve SHeil (8)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Danny Meadowcroft (7)
7. Leyton Slack (7) Y
8. Steve Tobin (8)
9. Rhodri Giggs (9)
10. Chris Downey (10*)
11. Josh Howard (8)
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (6) (for Howard 55 mins)
14. Tony Coyne (7) (for Slack 65 mins)
15. Leon Mike (8) (for Giggs 65 mins)

Mossleyweb (and sponsors) Man of the Match: Chris Downey...the perfect home debut!
Verdict: Watch out Clitheroe and Woodley...we're right behind you and flying again!

MOSSLEY COAST IT AT FLEETWOOD!
Fleetwood Town 1 Mossley 4

Mossley romped to a comfortable victory at a bumpy Highbury Avenue this aftrenoon, playing some great attacking football and looking more and more like the side that enjoyed the 21 game unbeaten run up to the new year. With Josh Howard starting his first game for a month and Leon Mike returning to the bench Mossley looked strong throughout the team and played with a purpose and inventiveness that has been sadly lacking in recent games. Fleetwood had the first chance when Melville saved acrobatically from Catlow's drive but the Claret & Blue clad Mossley fully deserved the lead when it came in the 28th minute. Steve Sheil set up Rhodri Giggs who's delightful far post ball found Chris Downey unmarked and he slotted home with ease for his first goal in a Mossley shirt. The lead was doubled three minutes before the break when Brown and Tobin were denied by some last ditch tackling and when Leyton Slack's resultant left wing corner wasn't cleared Dave Brown was on hand to give Mossley the two goal cushion their enterprsing play deserved. The second half was only four minutes old when Mossley added a superb third goal. Howard's tricky run and precision through ball was confidently thumped home from 20 yards by Rhodri Giggs for his first Mossley goal. Mossley eased off the pedal a little and Fleetwood reduced the arrears on 67 minutes after Tobin was penalised for a foul 25 yards out and Lee Catlow drove the free kick past the Mossley wall and into the bottom corner. Mossley still threatened with every attack and the lead was stretched back to three goals five minutes later when Slack's shot came back off the bar and Steve Sheil was quickest to react as he swept the rebound home from 10 yards. The game ended with home keeper Banks making a flying save from substitute Leon Mike's fierce drive.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (8)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Dave Brown (8) Y
5. Paul Taylor (9*)
6. Danny Meadowcroft (8)
7. Leyton Slack (7)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Rhodri Giggs (8)
10. Chris Downey (7) Y
11. Josh Howard (8)
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (7) (for Slack 73 mins)
14. Tony Coyne (7) (for Brown 61 mins)
15. Leon Mike (7)
(for Howard (65 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Paul Taylor...Captain fantastic gave a typical solid performance on his 300th appearance for Mossley.
Verdict: Back to top form for the run in...hopefully!!!

THE LATE SHOW!
Squires Gate 1 Mossley 3

Mossley left it late to take maximum from Squires Gate at School Road this afternoon despite almost total domination of the game. Mossley gave a debut to new signing Chris Downey alongside Rhodri Giggs to form an unfamiliar strike partnership in the absence of the injured Leon Mike. Squires Gate had actually opened brightly, worked hard for possession and took the lead in the 13th minute, albeit in controversial circumstances. Mossley should have been awarded a free kick near half way that the referee, who gave some outrageous decisions all afternoon, inexplicably awarded the other way and a push on Brown in th box ended with Paul Paynter diverting a header into the bottom corner. Mossley began to compose themselves and set about their task. The equaliser came after a spell of pressure in the 24th minute when Downey released Leyton Slack who calmly slotted the ball home from 10 yards for his first goal in a Mossley shirt. Mossley pressed throughout the remainder of the half and continued in the same vein after the interval. Squires Gate retreated further and further as Mossley turned the screw with the lively Paynter plowing a lonely furrow up front. It was the 60th minute introduction of Josh Howard, returning from injury, that prompted Mossley to their most sustained spell of pressure that lasted for pretty much the remainder of the match. Some last ditch defending by an overworked home defence and a blatant penalty appeal waved away was all that kept Mossley at bay until the breakthrough finally came as late as the 88th minute and was just reward for a hard working and much improved performance. The outstanding Rhodri Giggs drifted out to the left and crossed for Slack to have his effort saved only for Dave Brown to be in the right place at the right time to net the rebound from close range. Josh Howard rounded off a thoroughly deserved victory in the last minute with a superb solo goal. Dancing round a couple of defenders while cutting in from the left in typical fashion he slotted the ball past the home keeper from a difficult angle to joyful scenes from the large Mossley contingent.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Danny Meadowcroft (7)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Dave Brown (8)
7. Leyton Slack (8)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Rhodri Giggs (9*)
10. Chris Downey (7)
11. Russ Headley (8)
Subs:
12. Simon Heaton (not used)
14. Tony Coyne (7) (for Tobin 74 mins)
15. Josh Howard (8) (for Downey 60 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Rhodri Giggs...caused mayhem in the Squires Gate defence all afternoon
Verdict: A much improved performance and a much improved result!

VERSATILE RUSS SAVES A POINT!
Trafford 1 Mossley 1

Mossley had Russ Headley to thank for saving a point at Trafford tonight with a late equaliser whilst playing in his third different position of the evening. He bagan the game at left back, switched to right back when Matty Taylor went off grogily with a first half head injury and finished up on the left wing when Mossley ralleyed late in the game after being outplayed for the most part. Mossley got off to a flying start when in the first minute Leyton Slack cleverly beat several defenders before whipping a shot that came off the bar for Rhodri Giggs to put the ball into the net with his first touch as a Mossley player, but a linesman who gave the controversial striker off-side practically every time he had the ball thereafter made a poor decision as Giggs was obviously on-side when Slack shot! Mossley dominated the early stages but Trafford found their way into the game as Mossley's early momentum wained and Melville was called on to make a couple of saves before debutant central defender Danny Meadowcroft was unlucky with a header. After the break Mossley again had a spell of possession but were constantly thwarted by some excellent defending and some poor off-side decisions. Just when it looked like Mossley might find a breakthrough Trafford scored in the 65th minute with an excellent free-flowing move that finished with Andy Lundy scoring from close range. Mossley looked ragged as Trafford grew in confidence and Melville was fortunate when his poor clearance fell to Ogden but his effort was returned weakly to a grateful Mossley keeper. Mossley finally equalised five minutes from time. Leon Mike who hadn't enjoyed one of his better games finally broke free of his shackles and played Russ Headley in at the angle on the left and the versatile Headley squeezed the ball between keeper and post to the delight and relief of the Mossley contingent. There was more drama when Giggs flicked the ball over the keeper in the last minute but former Mossley left back Matty Cross cleared off the line to rob Mossley of the extra points that their overall performance barely deserved against a skilfull young Trafford side.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Matty Taylor (7)
3. Russ Headley (9*) Y
4. Dave Brown (6)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Danny Meadowcroft (8)
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Steve Tobin (6)
9. Rhodri Giggs (7)
10. Leon Mike (6) Y
11. Leyton Slack (7)
Subs:
12. Steve Sheil (8) (for M.Taylor 19 mins)
14. Tony Coyne (7) (for Heaton 75 mins)
15. Shaun Dootson (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Russ Headley...showed his versatility with a quality performance in three different positions.
Verdict: Disappointing performance and result on a night when Clitheroe and Woodley both lost!

BAD NIGHT AT THE OFFICE!!!
Newcastle Town 3 Mossley 1

Mossley gave a thoroughly disappointing performance in the absence on poorly manager Jason Beckford and went down with a whimper against a very ordinary Newcastle side at Lyme Valley Stadium on Tuesday night . The first half saw two poor teams unable to retain possession despite a carpet of a pitch. Newcastle broke the deadlock on 38 minutes when Adam Beesley looped a shot over Melville from 20 yards before Mossley equalized on the stroke of half time with their first bit of fluent football of the game. Mark Phillips played a cross field ball to Simon Heaton who’s quick one-two freed Leon Mike who calmly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper. Mossley piled forward after the break and Heaton somehow missed two feet away from a completely open goal, Leon Mike thundered a header against the post and Mike again caused havoc forcing Diskin to drive the ball against his own cross bar. However, Newcastle were gifted the game when Dootson was dismissed in the 64th minute for a second yellow card and Paul Kieley curled home the resultant free kick although why the referee allowed them to move the free kick to a shooting position when the offence took place on the touchline is a complete mystery. Kieley completed Mossley’s misery when he blasted a second four minutes later.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (8)
2. Matty Taylor (9*)
3. Mark Phillips (5) Y
4. Dave Brown (6)
5. Paul Taylor (6)
6. Shaun Dootson (4) YYR
7. Simon Heaton (5)
8. Steve Tobin (5)
9. Tony Carroll (5)
10. Leon Mike (8)
11. Adam Morning (6)
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (6) (for Morning 65 mins)
14. Tony Coyne (6) Y (for Tobin 77 mins)
15. Steve Sheil (not used). Red Card: Dootson Yellow cards: Dootson, Coyne, Phillips

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Matty Taylor...Never stopped when most others did!
Verdict: Very, very poor and hardly promotion form!!!

BACK ON TRACK!
Mossley 3 Skelmersdale United 1
Mossley finally returned to winning ways against a lively and dangerous Skelmersdale United side at Seel Park this afternoon and were forced to scrap til the very end for three very valuable points. Mossley dominated the early exchanges but were unable to open a well drilled home defence though Adam Morning and debutant Leyton Slack were a serious threat on the flanks. Skem survived Mossley's early onslaught without the Lilywhites managing an effort on target and stunned the home fans on the half hour when Dootson was caught in possession and Carl Osman chipped over a stranded Phil Melville from 20 yards. Undeterred Mossley came straight back at Skem and Tony Carroll brought a stunning save from Holcroft only for Dave Brown to head home from Adam Morning's resultant right wing corner. The second half saw Skem gain the upper hand for a spell but thankfully the League's leading scorer Stuart Rudd had left his shooting boots at home and Mossley were rarely troubled although Melville did well to deal with a point blank Dugdale effort. The 64th minute introduction of Simon Heaton swung the game in Mossley's favour as he set up what proved to the winning goals. Firstly his powerful volleyed cross from the right caused havoc in the visitors defence and after Holcroft somehow blocked Carroll's initial effort Leon Mike was on hand to drive home from 10 yards after his header had failed a split second earlier. Mossley were denied a blatant penalty when Mike was upended under the referee's nose but Skem rarely looked capable of hauling themselves back into the game as Mossley's defence and midfield shut up shop and it was no real surprise when Mossley added a third in the final minute when Heaton's pin-point cross was laid off by Mike for Tony Carroll to blast Mossley to victory for the first time in 2004 to the great relief of everyone involved.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (8)
2. Matty Taylor (7)
3. Mark Phillips (7)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (10*)
6. Shaun Dootson (7)
7. Leyton Slack (7)
8. Steve Tobin (8)
9. Tony Carroll (7)
10. Leon Mike (7)
11. Adam Morning (7)
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (7) (for Morning 80 mins)
14. Tony Coyne (not used)
15. Simon Heaton (8) (for Slack 64 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Paul Taylor...Absolutely flawless!
Verdict: A win at last, now we can get on with the job in hand!

MOSSLEY DRAW AGAIN!
Mossley 2 Alsager Town 2
It was seen as a 'must win' game following the recent poor sequence of results but in the end Mossley were again forced to settle for one point when 3 were needed against a stubborn and resiliant Alsager side at Seel Park today! Mossley got off to a flying start after easily repelling Alsager's early pressure and scored the opener in the 3rd minute. Mossley won a corner on the left, Adam Morning's flag kick wasn't cleared and Josh Howard curled a great left foot shot into the top corner from the edge of the area! From that point Mossley played some great pass and move football and looked like scoring with every attack. Keeper Powner madea great save to deny Tony Carroll and Tony Coyne narrowly failed to reach Morning's excellent cross. Steve Tobina nd Leon Mike also went close in what was a comfortably one sided first half with Alsager not looking like a side unbeaten in 12 games. The second half saw Mossley inexplicably relax and although comfortably on top a second goal wouldn't come and Alsager equalised out of the blue in the 52nd minute when Will Hurley headed home after Mossley failed to clear a corner. The game was now end to end but Mossley's passing game had somehow become disjointed. Powner excelled again with a magnificent save to deny Tony Carroll and Howard danced around at least six players in acrowded box but couldn't get a clean shot as Alsager cleared their lines in a series of Mossley raids. It felt like a mugging ten minutes from time when the visitors took a shock lead as Andy Kinsey was left in far too much space on the left and he easily beat the advancing Melville from 18 yards. Mossley pressed relentlessly though and just when it seemed all was lost Leon Mike got on the end of substitute Shaun Dootson's through ball, held off a challenge and slotted home from 10 yards to the delight and relief of the noisy Mossley fans!
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Tony Coyne (8)
7. Josh Howard (8*) Y
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Tony Carroll (7)
10. Leon Mike (7)
11. Adam Morning (7)
Subs:
12. Mark Phillips (6) Y (for Sheil 75 mins)
14. Shaun Dootson (7) (for Coyne 75 mins)
15. Simon Heaton (7) (for Morning 79 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Josh Howard...caused havoc in the Alsager defence all afternoon!
Verdict: Disappointing result from an entertaining game!

MOSSLEY HELD AT COLLIERIES!
Atherton Collieries 1 Mossley 1
When the ball won't go in the net despite all your efforts then you are going to struggle to win games, and that was Mossley's problem on a terrible surface in awful weather conditions at Alder Street today. Mossley made the worst possible start going behind in only the 2nd minute when a deep cross from the right was headed home by the unmarked Phil Brown. Mossley were further hit when debutant Mattie Hughes departed from the field with a pulled hamstring with only 13 minutes on the clock. Mossley were finding life difficult against a home side who played with the abandon of a team with nothing to lose and everything to gain as Mossley toiled manfully up the notorious Alder Street slope. The visitors were finally rewarded when substitute Adam Morning and Tony Carroll combined on the left and the latter crossed for Tony Coyne to score a rare header from the edge of the six yard box. Carroll then burst through and rounded the keeper but the ball hit the post and after a scramble was cleared. With the slope in their favour after the break Mossley pressed almost constantly but with home manager Alan Lord throwing caution to the wind by playing with six defenders, four forwards and no midfield it was always going to be difficult to break down a packed defence and also to defend against four fairly quick attackers when the long ball was punted upfield. Mossley had the ball in the net through Alan Bailey but a flag ruled him offside, which looked a highly dubious decision and was ultimately to prove costly as Josh Howard missed a sitter from close range and Steve Tobin was twice denied by last ditch blocks. Carroll beat the keeper with a curling angled shot that was somehow hooked off the line when a clearance looked a near physical impossibility. At the other end sub Russ Headley brilliantly broke up an Atherton attack single handedly and set up another Mossley raid which ended with Bailey slicing his shot from a good position and Mossley were forced to settle for a point when three were desperately needed and nearly ended with none as Brown missed a gilt edged header from close range with the Moslsey defence awol in the last couple of minutes.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (8)
2. Josh Howard (7)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Dave Brown (8*)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Tony Coyne (8)
7. Rob Matthews (6)
8. Steve Tobin (8)
9. Tony Carroll (7)
10. Alan Bailey (6)
11. Mattie Hughes (-)
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (8) (for Matthews 60 mins)
14. Adam Morning (7) (for Hughes 13 mins)
15. Simon Heaton (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Dave Brown...solid as a rock, got in the way of everything, and was one of the few players able to get to grips with the awful conditions.
Verdict: Where have all the goals gone?!

Boro snatch a draw!
Mossley 2 Radcliffe Borough 2

Mossley gave a good account of themselves against UniBond Premier Division Radcliffe Borough in tonight's hastily arranged friendly. In fact the Lilywhites can count themselves unfortunate not to have won heavily after a thoroughly one sided first half which saw Mossley take a comfortable 2-0 lead which could have been at least doubled. Alan Bailey, returning from injury was the main culprit as he was denied by the Radcliffe keeper on several occasions as Mossley tore holes in the visitors creaking rearguard. Mossley went ahead on 39 minutes when Rob Matthews set up Tony Carroll to control and finish well from 15 yards. The lead was doubled two minutes before the break when Steve Tobin's great run and cross found the impressive Mattie Hughes at the far post who rifled home a debut goal after earlier hitting the bar with a smart curling shot. Boro made more of a show of it after the break as they went in search of a goal and Phil Melville was called into action with a couple of good saves. Bailey was again denied by the keeper when he raced through one on one but Radcliffe reduced the arrears almost immediately when former Curzon hit-man Josh Mitten scored through a ruck of players. Boro equalised ten minutes from time when Paul Wheatcroft found himself unmarked on the left and he slotted the ball past the stranded Melville. Mossley almost snatched a winner their overall performance deserved as Radcliffe escaped with some desperate defending and held on to draw what was an entertaining friendly match played out in difficult conditions.
Team: Melville, Howard, Sheil, Brown, P.Taylor, Coyne, Matthews, Tobin, Carroll, Bailey, Hughes. Subs: Headley (for Howard 45 mins), Heaton (for Coyne 53 mins), Morning (for Hughes 53 mins). 

FOURTH SUCCESSIVE DEFEAT SHOCK!
Mossley 1 Newcastle Town 2
Mossley slipped to a fourth straight defeat and their third cup exit in eight days against a hard working Newcastle Town at Seel Park today. Mossley were forced to all but abandon their passing game on a surface damaged by heavy rain and three games in a week and this gave Newcastle a first half impetus that they were to take full advantage of. The visistors dominated the early stages and Ndjebayi was called on to make a smart save from Sandeman before dangerman Mike Lennon gave them a deserved lead on 17 minutes when he headed home Woodvine's cross. Stirred into action Mossley were level three minutes later. A peach of a through ball by Tony Carroll released Leon Mike who delicately chipped the advancing keeper from 20 yards to score off the underside of the bar. With Mossley starting to dominate it was a shock when Newcastle scored what proved to be the winner with a totally fluke goal on 33 minutes. Leon Mike was blatently impeded without reward by an abysmal referee and Newcastle left back Ian Banks struck a cross that deflected off the unfortunate Matty Taylor and flew agonizingly over the stranded Ndjebayi into the top corner. The second half saw Mossley throw the kitchen sink at the visitors who defended superbly throughout the half and Mossley's hold on the NWCL Challenge Cup was extinguished. Mossley were not aided by a blatent penalty not awarded and a tendency to try and walk the ball in the net through a packed defence. Amazingly referee Mr Radcliffe of Liverpool yellow carded six Mossley players in what can only be described as an absolute nightmare performance by the 'man in black'.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8) Y
4. Mark Phillips (7) Y
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Tony Coyne (7)
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Steve Tobin (8*) Y
9. Tony Carroll (7) Y
10. Leon Mike (7) Y
11. Russ Headley (7)
Subs:
12. Josh Howard (7) Y (for Heaton 68 mins)
14. Shaun Dootson (not used)
15. Adam Morning (7) (for Headley 62 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Steve Tobin...combative grafting performance by the diminutive number 8.
Verdict: Marred by one of the worst refereeing performances I have ever seen!

GOLDEN GOAL SETTLES ‘DERBY’ THRILLER!
Mossley 3 Hyde United 4
Mossley can consider themselves rather unfortunate to have gone out of the Manchester Premier Cup at Seel Park on Wednesday night in an exciting end-to-end thriller of a cup tie that had the fans on their toes from beginning to end. Hyde paid Mossley the compliment of sending a full strength side in a competition that isn’t renowned for fervour while Jason Beckford made wholesale changes from the side that spluttered out of the Vase four days earlier. Phil Melville, Mark Bradshaw, Tony Coyne, Simon Heaton, Steve Tobin, Tony Carroll and Russ Headley were all recalled to the starting line up and for the most part they played like they had a point to prove and first team shirts to be won. Unfortunately, recalled keeper Melville will probably want to forget this game in a hurry as two partially saved shots ended in the net, including the match winner.
The game began at a high tempo and maintained it throughout with play switching quickly from end to end as both sides played open attacking football. Hyde broke the deadlock without either keeper having made a save though in the 25th minute when Neil Tolson’s header sneaked in off the foot of the post. It took Mossley only seven minutes to level though as Simon Heaton’s deep right wing cross was headed home off the post by the stooping Tony Carroll. Moments later Russ Headley crashed a great shot off the bar from 20 yards with Mullock well beaten.
Mossley edged in front nine minutes after the break when Leon Mike set off on a superb solo run brushing off several challenges in typical fashion before finishing superbly in the bottom corner from a difficult angle. Three minutes later Mossley stretched the lead when Mark Bradshaw’s left wing corner wasn’t cleared and Leon Mike was in the right place at the right time to hammer the ball home. Mossley were playing some great stuff by now and Mike might have completed his hat-trick but for an unkind bobble on a tricky surface. Mossley lost substitute Alan Bailey with an ankle injury moments later, having himself replaced Tony Carroll who had limped off ten minutes earlier.
Unfortunately for Mossley, Hyde wouldn’t lie down and went on to dominate the remainder of the 90 minutes, although Mossley were still a threat on the break. Hyde’s second goal had an element of good fortune about it as Heaton badly sliced a clearance which caused havoc before John O’Kane forced the ball home in the 65th minute. Then with 11 minutes left on the clock Hyde sub Lee Madin forced an equaliser when he scored from a rebound as Melville dived to save Salt’s powerful drive to take the game to sudden death.
Hyde pressed forward relentlessly as Mossley’s unfamiliar line up tired but the winner was still a sickener when it came just before the extra time break as Melville attempted to tip over McNeil’s shot only for the ball to drop under the bar behind him to give John O’Kane the chance to score from almost on the line. The ‘golden goal’ rule meant the game ended at that point.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (5)
2. Josh Howard (7) Y
3. Mark Bradshaw (7)
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Steve Sheil (8)
6. Tony Coyne (7)
7. Simon Heaton (8)
8. Steve Tobin (8)
9. Tony Carroll (8)
10. Leon Mike (7)
11. Russ Headley (9*)
Subs.
12. Alan Bailey (7) (for Carroll 55 mins)
14. Adam Morning (7) (for Bailey 68 mins)
15. Shaun Dootson (6) (for Heaton 85 mins).

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Russ Headley...a constant thorn in the side for Hyde!
Verdict: Cruel luck!!!

MOSSLEY CRASH OUT OF VASE!
Mossley 1 Winchester City 2

FA Vase 4th Round
Mossley paid the price for a very poor first half performance against Wessex League big-guns Winchester City at Seel Park this afternoon to crash out of the FA Vase at the fourth round stage and send the Hampshire club through to the last sixteen.
Mossley had opened brightly enough and had a great chance early on when Matthews set Josh Howard clear only for Howard to shoot tamely when he ought to have done much better. As the half progressed though, Winchester began to assert themselves with Webber causing problems on the right and the elusive Forbes looking like he might score every time he touched the ball.
The 50 goal hot shot Andy Forbes was eventually to prove Mossley’s undoing. He had already been denied twice by acrobatic saves by Ndjebayi and had curled a shot an inch wide before he headed Winchester into a 40th minute lead after Dootson and then Ndjebayi had failed to clear under pressure. It was as much as Winchester deserved for their dominance as Mossley’s three man midfield floundered.
The second half saw Mossley revert to the fans favoured 4-4-2 formation and the introduction of Tony Coyne for the ineffective Shaun Dootson saw Mossley in more dangerous mode and with Alan Bailey and Leon Mike starting to find their touch Mossley looked much more threatening. At the other end however, Winchester were still finding space and two great saves by Ndjebayi denied Forbes and Mancey. Mossley introduced Russ Headley and he proved to be a thorn in Winchester’s side from the moment of his arrival and Mossley finally equalised on 73 minutes. Leon Mike battled through a crowded box and Alan Bailey was on hand to lash the ball beyond Simon Arthur’s despairing dive from ten yards.
It looked like Winchester had burned themselves out and Mossley might go on to win a game in which they had been outplayed for the most part. It wasn’t to be though, as in the 80th minute Winchester scored the winner. A free kick was awarded to Winchester on the right wing although many viewers said the award should have gone the other way as Webber handled. The free kick was powerfully headed into the top corner by Andy Forbes to spark scenes of jubilation amongst the Winchester players and fans.
Mossley huffed and puffed in search of another equaliser but were unable to break down a resilient visitors rearguard and the Vase dream ended for another year.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Matty Taylor (8*)
3. Steve Sheil (6)
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Dave Brown (6)
7. Alan Bailey (7)
8. Shaun Dootson (5)
9. Leon Mike (6)
10. Josh Howard (7)
11. Rob Matthews (6)
Subs.
12. Russ Headley (7) (for Brown 71 mins)
14. Tony Carroll (7) (for Sheil 81 mins)
15. Simon Heaton (not used)
16. Tony Coyne (8) (for Dootson 56 mins)
17. Phil Melville (not used).
Man of the Match: Matty Taylor...Tireless!!!
Verdict: It doesn’t get much more disappointing than that.

21 MATCH UNBEATEN RUN IS OVER!
Nantwich Town 3 Mossley 1
Mossley's superb 21 match unbeaten run finally came to a bumpy end at Jackson Avenue this afternoon as another poor second half performance proved costly. Mossley had arrived looking to bounce back from the disapppointment of the previous week's showing, but, the almost but not quite dry Nantwich pitch cut up very quickly, making for a very uneven playing surface and Mossley's passing game was thwarted. As for Nantwich, with the pace of WIlkinson and Griggs, and the guile and cunning of veteran player-manager Nigel Gleghorn, had the simple intention of releasing the pacy pair at every opportunity with a series of long balls into the corners, turning the Mossley defence and often causing consternation as back passes bobbled on the awful surface. In one such instance a Phillips back pass bounced over the swinging foot of Ndjebayi and created a chance for Wilkinson but Sheil was alert to clear the danger. At the other end Mossley finally threatened when a great run by Leon Mike saw the home keeper make a save. After the break Mossley looked more assertive and took the lead four minutes in when Steve Sheil's precise through ball found Josh Howard who turned well in the box, shrugged off his marker and tucked the ball in the bottom corner from ten yards. With a new found confidence Mossley pressed forward briefly, but with the midfield unable to get the better of the dominant Gleghorn Mossley had only another Leon Mike effort to show for their endeavours, while Nantwich worked hard to fight their way back and the Dabbers finally equalised in the 60th minute when Nigel Gleghorn scored from a rebound after a mazy run by Griggs. Five minutes later Nantwich were in front. Russ Headley was yellow carded, by an otherwise weak referee, for his only foul in an almost flawless performance at right wing back and ex Mossley man Danny Griggs curled a superb free kick into the top corner from just ouside the area. Mossley pressed forward more in hope than expectation, but apart from a long range effort by Dootson posed no real threat as the pitch deteriorated further. Salt was rubbed into Mossley's wounds five minutes from time when Wes Wilkinson went on a long run with Mossley stretched and was finally brought down in the box by Steve Tobin and Wilkinson stepped up to knock home the spot-kick. Game over!
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Russ Headley (8*) Y
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (5)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Shaun Dootson (6) Y
7. Alan Bailey (7)
8. Steve Tobin (6)
9. Leon Mike (6)
10. Josh Howard (7)
11. Adam Morning (7)
Subs:
12. Dave Brown (7) (for Phillips 45 mins)
14. Simon Heaton (7) (for Morning 64 mins)
15. Tony Carroll (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Russ Headley...looks very comfortable at right back and one of few players to shine!
Verdict: The run had to end some time...but Mossley were poor!

BELOW PAR MOSSLEY SETTLE FOR POINT!
Curzon Ashton 1 Mossley 1
Mossley gave by far the poorest performance since the current unbeaten run began and in the end were relieved to settle for a point at a damp National Park this afternoon, in fact, but for some wayward finishing by the Curzon forwards and some excellent goalkeeping by Jean-Paul Ndjebayi Mossley would have been punished to the maximum. Curzon looked to attack from the off but found a solid visitors back line facing them and in their first attack in the fourth minute Mossley took the lead. Mark Bradshaw crossed from the left, Mark Phillips won the ball on the edge of the box and Steve Tobin brilliantly held off the last man's challenge to slot home from the angle. Alan Bailey almost doubled the advantage moments later and Mossley had a spell when they looked highly likely to score again. For some unknown reason though, Mossley failed to get a firm foothold on the game and almost nonchalantly allowed Curzon to dominate the remainder of the half with Mossley trying to play on the break. Curzon had posed little threat despite their territorial advantage and the equalising goal came out of nothing. Five minutes before the break left winger Wayne Dean curled a great shot into the top corner from a fairly wide position on the left. After consulting his assistant the referee awarded the goal to a deafening silence. Where were the Curzon fans today? The second half continued in the same vein and even the introduction of all three substitutes in fairly quick succession couldn't lift Mossley out of their lethargy. Too many passes were going astray and Curzon's defence and midfield were controlling the game. Dean should have put Curzon in front with a clear header but he missed the target and Ndjebayi saved everything that Curzon could launch at him. Mossley were punished by a couple of decidedly dodgy off-side decisions when a lowered flag would have seen Bailey and then Carroll in the clear but in the end Jason Beckford will have been relieved that his side weren't beaten after a well below par performance.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (9*)
2. Matty Taylor (7)
3. Mark Bradshaw (6)
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8) Y
6. Shaun Dootson (6) Y
7. Rob Matthews (6)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Alan Bailey (7)
10. Dave Brown (8)
11. Russ Headley (6)
Subs:
12. Tony Carroll (6) (for Headley 59 mins)
14. Tony Coyne (7) (for M.Taylor 63 mins)
15. Josh Howard (6) (for Phillips 51 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Jean-Paul Ndjebayi...kept Mossley in the game!
Verdict: ...but a not so happy new year!

IT'S SO EASY!
Glossop North End 0 Mossley 2
Mossley stretched their unbeaten run to twenty games at Surrey Street this afternoon and also importantly kept a third successive clean sheet with a comfortable 2-0 victory to complete an easy double over neighbours Glossop North End. Mossley got off to a flying start with the returning Alan Bailey heading against the post from Rob Matthews cross in their first attack. Not to be denied Alan Bailey found the target in only the fourth minute when he slotted home from the edge of the box after accellarating onto Shaun Dootson's through ball. Sandwiched between Bailey's efforts Glossop might have opened the scoring when Barhill made a chance for himself out of nothing but he shot harmlessly into the side netting.Mossley loooked likely to score with every attack, but home keeper Stuart WIlliams was in excellent form and made fine saves to deny Tobin and the rampant Bailey, before being beaten again in the fifteenth minute. Steve Sheil's long throw from the left was flicked on by Mark Phillips for Rob Matthews to score on the turn from ten yards. Mossley continued to dominate and the under pressure home defence was reduced in the 28th minute when Andy Sherlock was dismissed for bringing down the lively Adam Morning when the unfortunate defender found himself as last man. The game became a damage limitation excercise for the Hillmen thereafter. Williams and his overworked defence were bombarded again after the break and Glossop lost their other central defender when veteran player-coach Gus WIlson pulled up after trying to chase down Bailey. Mossley were now in cruise control and created several more chances, Williams again excelling with a number of acrobatic saves, not least from a thirty yard piledriver from the newly re-signed Mark Bradshaw and from a deflected free kick by the same player. As Mossley visibly stepped down a gear Glossop mounted a couple of rare attacks but Jean-Paul Ndjebayi was in no mood to concede, while at the other end Mossley's tendency to overplay on a badly cut up surface restricted further chances, although the outstanding Dave Brown and substitutes Simon Heaton and Tony Carroll all might have added to Mossley's tally.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Russ Headley (8)
3. Steve Sheil (7) Y
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Shaun Dootson (7) Y
7. Rob Matthews (7)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Alan Bailey (9*)
10. Dave Brown (8)
11. Adam Morning (7)
Subs:
12. Simon Heaton (7) (for Matthews 45 mins)
14. Mark Bradshaw (8) (for Sheil 45 mins)
15. Tony Carroll (7) (for P.Taylor 52 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Alan Bailey...full of running, great goal, like he's never been away.
Verdict: Happy Christmas!!!

ROB & JOSH SEE OFF STUBBORN LR!
Mossley 2 Atherton LR 0
Mossley had to work hard to break down a stubborn Atherton LR as they mounted a rearguard battle at a sodden Seel Park this afternoon. The visitors opened brightly with their top scorer Ben Obong prominent but Mossley looked secure at the back with Dave Brown, replacing rested skipper Paul Taylor, partnering captain for the day Mark Phillips in central defence. It was obvious from early on what LR's afternoon was about though as the visitors twice emptied the ball out of the ground inside the first ten minutes. Every time Mossley moved forward they found the entire LR team in front of them and working very hard. It was no surprise then that Mossley were able to totally dictate the play throughout the 90 minutes and particularly in a second half that was just about one-way traffic. Mossley's best chances of the first period had come from excellent long range shots by Phillips and Mario Daniel (on as early as the 15th minute for the injured Leon Mike) that flashed just wide of the right hand post and great saves by LR keeper Colin Flood that denied Josh Howard and Rob Matthews. With Tobin, Howard and Dootson probing  endlesslessly and Morning and Matthews seeing plenty of the ball on the flanks a goal surely had to come after the break, but Flood excelled himself again saving everything that his massed defence couldn't block. LR managed just one attack but it was nearly effective as  Obong broke clear on the left,  but when faced one-on-one with Ndjebayi he lost the plot and shot weakly. Mossley to their credit never became frustrated and continued to chip away at a now tiring defence, finally gaining the reward for their patience in the 73rd minute, with a little magic from Rob Matthews who curled an unstoppable shot into the corner after cutting in from the left on Sheil's pass. There was only one winner after that as LR, now forced to come out and play, tried to haul themselves back into the game, but Mossley were able to keep them at bay with ease and it was no surprise when the Lilywhites doubled the lead five minutes from time. Dave Brown played a peach of a through ball frm insidehis own half that Josh Howard raced onto and drew the keeper before slotting home his second goal in successive games and putting LR out of  their misery.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Tony Coyne (7)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. DaveBrown (8)
6. Shaun Dootson (8)
7. Rob Matthews (8) 
8. Steve Tobin (9*)
9. Leon Mike (-)
10. Josh Howard (8)
11. Adam Morning (8)
12. Simon Heaton (7) (for Morning 75 mins)
14. Russell Headley (8) (for Coyne 45 mins)
15. Mario Daniel (8) (for Mike 15 mins)
Mossleyweb (and sponsors) Man of the Match: SteveTobin, tireless graft and creative guile!
Verdict: A job well done!

MOSSLEY TOO GOOD FOR BAY!
Mossley 4 Whitley Bay 0
Mossley proved too strong for Albany Northern League big-guns Whitley Bay with a powerful and efficient performance at Seel Park this afternoon. As a spectacle the game never really got going, the referee and some over-zealous tackling by the visitors made sure that the flow was constantly stunted! Whitley were strong and direct, looking to get the lively Edgecumbe away, but when they did create a couple of half chances Jean-Paul Ndjebayi was in the way with some safe and reliable goalkeeping. Most of the visitors attacks ended with shots from outside the box and with Taylor and Phillips in dominant mood there was no way through for the North Easterners, meanwhile at the other end Josh Howard was causing havoc with some surging runs and the visitors had no-one qiuick enough to pick him up. It was on one such run that Mossley took a deserved lead in the 38th minute. He set off from midfield at a pace, laying the ball off for Leon Mike, who's instant return saw the lively Josh Howard through on goal and he calmly planted a firm shot past the advancing keeper from 10 yards. With Brown, Dootson and Howard dominating midfield Bay had been reliant on breakaways but now had to change their game plan. Unfortunately for them they didn't really seem to have one and Mossley by now up a gear were beginning to find holes in a less compact defence. On a difficult pitch chances were never clear cut and after the break Mike went close on a couple of occasions when a flatter surface wouldn't have hindered him, but it was Mossley who looked likeliest to score and duly did when Paul Taylor hammered home a header from Rob Matthews right wing corner on 68 minutes. Bay's defence was now layed bare as they tried to push on to salvage something, but it was in honesty half hearted. Several members of the visitors team got away lightly with some very poor challenges as Mossley now swarmed all over them. The referee then took it on himself to dismiss Dave Brown after the dubious award of a second yellow card for a challenge that Brown appeared to win cleanly. Substitutes Adam Morning and then Tony Carroll caused Bay's defence a new set of problems and Morning's pace was soon evident. The youngster so deserved his goal when it came with two minutes left on the clock. Carroll and Dootson opened up the visitors almost non existent defence, Dootson found substitute Simon Heaton on the right wing and his cross was hammered home at the far post by a gleeful Adam Morning. Numbers were evened again in stoppage time when Little brought Morning down for a penalty and centre back Martin struck a Mossley player in the ensuing melee and was red carded. Tony Coyne stepped up to hammer home the spot kick and send the geordies back to the north east well and truly beaten!
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Tony Coyne (7)
3. Steve Sheil (7) Y
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8) Y
6. Shaun Dootson (8)
7. Rob Matthews (8) 
8. Dave Brown (8) YYR
9. Leon Mike (7)
10. Josh Howard (9*)
11. Russ Headley (8)
12. Simon Heaton (8) (for Matthews 84 mins)
14. Tony Carroll (8) (for Mike 80 mins)
15. Adam Morning (8) (for Headley 69 mins)
16. Mario Daniel (not used)
17. Phil Melville (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Josh Howard...cused panic in the visitors defence every time he got the ball!
Verdict: Just too good for the disappointing geordies!

GREAT MATCH, GREAT RESULT!
Mossley 2 Woodley  Sports 1
Mossley and Woodley Sports provided a great advertisement for non-league football with a full blooded all action top of the table clash at Seel Park this evening to keep 316 people on their toes throughout an exhilarating 90 minutes. Woodley were fastest out of the blocks allowing Mossley no time to settle and for the first 15 minutes dominated play. Brickell and Jones testing Jean-Paul Ndjebayi with good strikes. Mossley weathered the early storm admirably and began to impress themselves on the game with teenager Adam Morning probing dangerously on the left and Leon Mike beginning to impose himself. On one great run Mike beat two defenders and drew the keeper but another challenge caused him to lose his footing and impressive Woodley number 1 Liam Higginbottom was able to save. Higginbottom excelled himself on several occasions through the game though Josh Howard looked a scorer on two occasions but his first effort lacked power and his second hit the post after Mike had caused more havoc. The action came thick and fast and the half ended with Mossley appeals for a penalty being turned away as Dootson's shot hit a Woodley arm as it flew goalwards. It was more of the same after the break as Morning again beat his marker and Mike had his header acrobatically saved by Higginbottom. Mossley were dominant, but in a now rare Woodley raid the visitors took the lead in the 57th minute. Hackney squaring the ball to Mickey Ryan who blasted a thunderbolt past Ndjebayi from 20 yards. It was a stunning blow and a lesser side than Mossley would have struggled to recover. However, this Mossley team is made of stern stuff and the Lilywhites came roaring back again with substitute Rob Matthews, on for Simon Heaton, causing Woodley a fresh set of problems. It was Matthews who bagged Mossley's deserved leveler six minutes later. Mossley won a throw-in on the right wing. Steve Sheil launched another of his long throws Paul Taylor jumped and missed, Rob Matthews shot and it was blocked and the same player reacted quickest to hammer the ball home from six yards. The game at this point saw Woodley appear to start thinking about one point instead of three and their approach became more negative. Not Mossley however, and the pressure intensified as Woodley worked hard to repel the home side's advances. They almost didn't succumb. Until, with the game creeping into stoppage time and Woodley increasingly time-wasting, Sheil knocked a ball forward down the left wing that Adam Morning controlled well and sped past the covering defender, taking the ball to the dead ball line he crossed low to the far post and Shaun Dootson was on hand to jubilantly lash the ball home from four yards. Woodley tried gallantly to recover but Mossley's efforts were rewarded when the referee blew the final whistle to the delight of players and fans alike. Breathtaking stuff!
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Russ Headley (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Mark Phillips (9*) Y
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Shaun Dootson (7) Y
7. Simon Heaton (6)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Leon Mike (7)
10. Josh Howard (7)
11. Adam Morning (8)
Subs:
12. Rob Matthews (8) (for Heaton 53 mins)
14. Mario Daniel (for Howard 84 mins)
15. Dave Brown (for Mike 88 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Mark Phillips...yet another blinder...against his former club!
Verdict: 15 wins and 2 draws in the last 17 games tells it's own story!

SUPER MOSSLEY COAST THROUGH!
Fleetwood Town 1 Mossley 3
North West Counties League Challenge Cup 2nd Round
A patchwork Mossley side today outplayed Fleetwood at Highbury Avenue with a fine and determined display against a side who gave everything they had, but the rampant visitors proved to be just too good for them. The first half hour was fairly even with Fleetwood trying to force the pace knocking early balls forward and trying to squeeze Mossley up the field but with limited success, while Mossley had the best of the early chances when Mike set Josh Howard free through the centre but he was unfortunate to see his effort dip just over the bar. It was recalled Mossley keeper Phil Melville who was to thwart the hopeful home side throughout the game, making several excellent saves and having by far his best game in a Mossley shirt. At the other end Adam Morning, just a day short of his 17th Birthday, was given a surprise full debut and he impressed on the left wing with pace, skill and some excellent crosses. Mossley struck first in the 35th minute. Leon Mike slipped down the blind-side on the left and whipped in a cross that Fleetwood left back Matty Kirkham inadvertently drove into his own net from six yards out when it looked easier to clear. Clearly lifted by the goal Mossley set about taking the home side apart and doubled the lead five minutes later with a superb solo effort by Leon Mike. The big Mossley striker turned his marker, shrugged off two attempted tackles and drove the ball left footed into the bottom corner from 15 yards. It was a stunning goal and Fleetwood were shell-shocked at this stage. After the break Fleetwood must have had similar thoughts to Nantwich before them as they came with nothing to lose, all guns blazing for a spell which was quickly ended by a now rampant Mossley. Leon Mike, Adam Morning and Josh Howard were causing all kinds of problems for the home defence and it was the three of them that combined brilliantly to score the third five minutes into the second half and end the match as a contest. Mike set up the play from the centre of the park and sent Morning scampering once more down the left wing and his pinpoint low cross was triumphantly rammed home by Josh Howard. The Mossley defence seemed determined to keep a clean sheet as Fleetwood refused to lie down and Melville made a superb double save to deny Barnes and Catlow and looked invincible behind the outstanding Mark Phillips and Paul Taylor until five minutes from time when a corner from the right was headed home by Fleetwood centre back Adam Tong for a consolation goal that their performance in truth merited, but it was Mossley who march on into the next round.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (9)
2. Tony Coyne (7) Y
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (9*)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Shaun Dootson (8)
7. Russ Headley (7)
8. Steve Tobin (8)
9. Leon Mike (8)
10. Josh Howard (8)
11. Adam Morning (8)
Subs:
12. Simon Heaton (7) (for Coyne 70 mins)
14. Rob Matthews (7) (for Howard 74 mins)
15. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Mark Phillips...totally commanding and totally committed!
Verdict: Yet another excellent away performance stretching the unbeaten run to 16 games! Bring on anyone!


MOSSLEY EDGE IT IN THRILLER!
Mossley 2 Nantwich Town 1
This match was not for the feint hearted as Mossley took the points in an end to end thriller of a match that had the crowd on their toes for the entire 90 minutes. After being slow out of the blocks in recent games Mossley got off to the perfect start on this occasion when only two minutes in Tony Coyne's short free kick was powerfully driven into the top corner by Steve Tobin from fully thirty yards. The visitors were plainly rattled and struggled to keep Mossley at bay in a spell of intense pressure that was rewarded with a second goal in the 13th minute. Simon Heaton crossed from the right and Tony Carroll finished coolly and with clinical precision when faced one on one with Nantwich keeper Heaps. It was all Mossley and even a mazy run by the impressive Wilkinson failed to worry a strong looking Mossley rearguard. The incident that gave Nantwich hope came in the 27th minute when Leon Mike burst through on the right shrugged off a challenge and crossed from the dead-ball line for Simon Heaton to knock home from close range only for the referees assistant to inexplicably raise his flag for off-side for what would surely have been the killer goal. With Nantwich having nothing to lose they came out all guns blazing after the break and Dawson had a great chance when he shook off Paul Taylor's challenge but his shot was awful. This wasn't going to rattle Nantwich though and they surged forward again with Wilkinson and Phoenix constantly probing, finally getting their reward in the 63rd minute with something of a fluke goal. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi miscued his clearance which hit Wes Wilkinson and the lively Nantwich striker was able to roll the ball into an empty net. The game became increasingly stretched with Nantwich scrapping desperately for an equaliser while Mossley looked increasingly threatening on the break. A couple more dubious off-sides and some ridiculously pedantic refereeing weren't helping Mossley's cause though and after Nantwich had gotten away with some late challenges they were finally brought to book when Phoenix lunged dangerously at Russ Headley and was instantly red-carded. Mossley were unlucky when a mazy run and great shot by substitute Mario Daniel was brilliantly saved by Heaps while at the other end the Mossley defence was courage personified and didn't allow a useful looking Nantwich side any clear chances. In the end Mossley deserved the points for their sheer persistence and never-say-die attitude.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Josh Howard (8)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (9*)
5. Paul Taylor (8) Y
6. Tony Coyne (8) Y
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Tony Carroll (8)
10. Leon Mike (7)
11. Russ Headley (7)
Subs:
12. Shaun Dootson (not used)
14. Mario Daniel (7) (for Mike 56 mins)
15. Adam Morning (7) (for Headley 75 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Mark Phillips, totally dominant and impeccably resolved!
Verdict: Pure entertainment, excellent win against a decent side!

MOSSLEY DO IT THE HARD WAY, AGAIN!
Mossley 2 Curzon Ashton 2
For the second successive League game Mossley had to fight back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw, this time it was neighbours Curzon Ashton and particularly former Mossley forward Nigel Evans who caused the problems as he netted a goal in each half to leave Mossley chasing the game again. Thankfully Mossley have a striker who can conjure goals out of nothing in Leon Mike, and he did just that, twice, to pull Mossley level. He was then only denied a match winning hat-trick by a dramatic off the line clearance by one time Mossley defender Simon Kay.
The game had begun at a frantic pace and never really slowed down as both sides tried to play attacking football. Mossley for the most part were thwarted by a poor final ball and to a certain extent by a strong wind in their faces. It was still a shock however when Nigel Evans, from a suspiciously off-side position, curled a great shot from 20 yards past Ndjebayi who got a hand to the ball but not enough to keep it out in the 28th minute. The second half saw Mossley with the wind advantage but before they had had time to use that they were two down as a mistake by Steve Sheil allowed Edgington to get in a shot that Ndjebayi could only parry and Evans was on hand to tap the rebound home.
Mossley were finally stung into action and five minutes later halved the deficit when Steve Tobin crossed from the right and Leon Mike stooped to head home from close range. Mossley had a strong penalty appeal turned down when substitute Rob Matthews was brought down, but only had to wait a little longer before equalising. This time Sheil knocked a long ball into the box to Leon Mike who received the ball with his back to goal, somehow wriggled free in typical fashion, and knocked home the equaliser.
Josh Howard then had a great chance to score when clean through but David Fish saved with his feet and then Leon Mike was denied a hat-trick when Kay cleared his goal-bound effort off the line. New signing Mario Daniel made a cameo appearance and had one great run that saw a powerful shot fizz just wide and Mossley had to settle for a point.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Tony Coyne (6)
3. Steve Sheil (6)
4. Mark Phillips (7)
5. Paul Taylor (8*)
6. Shaun Dootson (7) Y
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Tony Carroll (6)
10. Leon Mike (7)
11. Russ Headley (7)
Subs:
12. Josh Howard (7) (for Heaton 56 mins)
14. Rob Matthews (8) (for Headley 56 mins)
15. Mario Daniel (7) (for Dootson 72 mins).
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Paul Taylor ...on a day when few excelled PT was the rock that he is!
Verdict: Mossley made hard work of it, again, but to be fair Curzon did play well!

MOSSLEY EASE THROUGH IN EXTRA TIME!
Mossley 4 Trafford 2
(aet)
FA Vase 2nd Round proper
It was two simple mistakes and a host of missed chances that caused Mossley to have to face thirty minutes extra time against a younthful and hard working Trafford side at Seel Park this afternoon. In a scrappy opening neither side were able to take control on a damp and bumby surface, but Mossley seemed comfortably in control bythe time they took a 28th minute lead. Mark Phillips, up for a set piece, was brought down in the box and Tony Coyne confidently sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. Phillips had a drive blocked and Adie Mike fired over with a spectacular effort as Mossley finished the half in the ascendancy. All seemed well at the break with Mossley appearing to have gained the upper-hand but they then went to sleep at the start of the second half and after a spell of Trafford pressure when Mossley were consistently conceding possession the visitors equalised in the 53rd minute when Njebayi spilled a fierce drive and Wes Ritchie was on hand to tap home the rebound. Mossley regained their composure and set about regaining the lead which they did in the 74th minute when Josh Howard broke through the middle and fed Tony Carroll who delicately chipped the keeper from the edge of the box. Carroll had a goal disallowed for off-side and then saw his header hit Steve Sheil on the line with the keeper beaten before the Mossley fans were stunned into silence by their own defence as several chances of an easy clearance were failed and Terry Eames ws inthe right place to take advantage and delightedly bring Trafford level. Mossley pressed forward again and were unlucky not to score through Russ Headley and substitute Leon Mike. The 90 minutes ended with Trafford clearing a Mossley corner and Jason Beckford's full time words were heeded when Rob Matthews fired Mossley back into the lead just two minutes into the extra period when Dootson's cross from the right was laid into his path by Headley. There never appeared any threat of Trafford coming from behind athird time making extra time a relatively comfortable passage and Tony Carroll sealed victory two minutes from time when latching onto sub Dave Brown's through ball and following the ball into an empty net after his first shot had been partially parried.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Tony Coyne (8)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Shaun Dootson (7)
7. Rob Matthews (7)
8. Josh Howard (7)
9. Tony Carroll (8)
10. Adie Mike (7)
11. Russ Headley (8*)
Subs:
12. Leon Mike (7) (for A.Mike 61 mins)
14. Simon Heaton (8) (for Howard 77 mins)
15. Dave Brown (8) (for Matthews 105 mins)
16. Phil Melville (not used)
17. Matty Cross (not used)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Russ Headley...for his sheer persistence and constant threat!
Verdict: Mossley made hard work of it!

ADIE MIKE - SUPERSUB!
Mossley 2 Congleton Town 2

When Adie Mike entered the arena with just ten minutes left on the clock and Mossley trailing 2-0, few could have anticipated the impact the former Lincoln City striker would have on a game where the Lilywhites had struggled for long periods against a defence minded team who had shaken Mossley by taking an early two goal lead (long sentance...long story!). The game had opened briskly but before the teams had settled Congleton found themselves in front. Mossley failed to clear a cross from the right and Danny Worthington fired home from ten yards. Worthington then fired a shot across the face of the goal with Phil Melville stranded. After only nine minutes the visitors went two up when Danny Worthington beat Melville at his near post with the Mossley keeper rooted to the spot. Congleton's threat to the Mossley goal practically disappeared at that point but as the Bears defence was packed manfully Mossley were unable to forge a away through and too often possession was frittered away against a competitive and 'up for it' opposition. Shaun Dootson coming closest with a 20 yard screamer that Conkie did well to tip over. Matty Taylor received an unfortunate injury  that caused his withdrawal midway through the half and Congleton looked a comfortable team by the interval. With Rob Matthews suspended, Paul Taylor, Alan Bailey and Matty Cross injured and Tony Coyne unavailable - the Mossley squad was stretched enough for a keeper to be named on the bench and the half time arrival of Jean-Paul Ndjebayi proved to be a catalyst for Mossley's second half revival. A fine save at the foot of the post from Worthington kept Mossley in with a faint hope but with Mossley seemingly unable to break down a resilient but tiring defence, despite the total disappearance of Congleton as an attacking force, Mossley finally found a slight foothold with just four minutes remaining. Steve Sheil launched a long throw from deep on the right, and Adie Mike, who had replaced Dootson six minutes earlier, rose highest to flick home a fine header over the outstreched Conkie. The same player went close again moments later an Mossley's last chance seemed to have gone, but, with seconds slipping away, and Congleton looking to have taken the points, Mossley won another throw in, this time around 35 yards out on the left, Sheil again launched his long throw into the danger area and there was Adie Mike again, this time to acrobatically scissor kick the ball home from ten yards out, to the delight and relief of everyone concerned and with just a minute left on the clock. There was a red card shown to the Congleton bench at the final whistle but Mossley had at least kept their unbeaten run going despite experiencing something of a collective 'off-day'.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (4)
2. Matty Taylor (7)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (7)
5. Dave Brown (7)
6. Shaun Dootson (6)
7. Josh Howard (7) Y
8. Steve Tobin (6)
9. Simon Heaton (8)
10. Leon Mike (6)
11. Russ Headley (6)
Subs:
12. TonyCarroll (6) (for M.Taylor 44 mins)
14. Adie Mike (9*) (for Dootson 80 mins)
15. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8) (for Melville 45 Mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Adie Mike...for today's most important contribution - two great goals!
Verdict: Mossley  never gave up even when the odds were stacked against them...all credit for getting something from a below par display!

LEON IS A WINNER!
Skelmersdale United 2 Mossley 3

Mossley came back from behind to deservedly take the points at much improved Skelmersdale United tonight. A deceptively strong wind was to Skem’s advantage in the first half but Mossley struck first with their first serious attack. Simon Heaton broke down the right and his cross was turned into his own net by defender Ian Price in the 8th minute. However Skem’s reply was instantaneous as Dave Dugdale punished some slack defending. Mossley almost went straight back in front when the outstanding Leon Mike set up Russ Headley but his controlled shot was headed from under the bar. Skem used the conditions to their advantage with some early balls forward causing consternation in the Mossley defence as their pacey forwards threatened on several occasions and the homesters went in front in the 22nd minute. Tony Coyne inadvertently headed a clearance straight to danger-man Stuart Rudd on the left and he moved forward at pace before unleashing a fierce drive that beat Phil Melville at his near post. Josh Howard and Matty Taylor replaced the injured Paul Taylor and the ineffective Tony Carroll at half time and the second half was pleasingly one way traffic as Mossley piled forward in search of an equaliser and after several close calls and a couple of strong penalty appeals they finally got their reward in the 58th minute. Matty Taylor was fouled on the right touchline and when Skem failed to clear Simon Heaton’s free kick Josh Howard was on hand to score with a deflected shot from 18 yards. Mossley continued to press and work hard for every ball with Mike and Heaton going close on more than one occasion. Mossley finally got the winner their play richly deserved just four minutes from time. Russ Headley set up Leon Mike who controlled the ball in typically brilliant fashion and curled a great shot into the bottom corner from 15 yards that gave Holcroft no chance. Substitute Adie Mike was then denied by a great save from Holcroft and Mossley survived a late scare when Melville was forced to save from Dugdale.
Team:
1. Phil Melvillle (7)
2. Mark Phillips (8)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Dave Brown (7)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Tony Coyne (7)
7. Simon Heaton (8)
8. Steve Tobin (7)
9. Tony Carroll (5)
10. Leon Mike (9*)
11. Russ Headley (8)
Subs:
12. Josh Howard (8) (for Carroll 45 mins)
14. Adie Mike (7) (for Heaton 80 mins)
15. Matty Taylor (8) (for P.Taylor 45 mins).
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Leon Mike...pure class!
Verdict: Character, courage and charisma!!!

RIVALS THRASHED AS WINNING RUN REACHES DOUBLE FIGURES!
Clitheroe 0 Mossley 3

Mossley extended their winning run to ten successive victories with an impressive and comprehensive thrashing of closest title rivals Clitheroe at Shawbridge this afternoon. The Lilywhites with a large following amongst a 527 gate were quick out of the blocks and took the game to their high flying hosts from the off and were rewarded for their positive start in only the 9th minute. Leon Mike won a corner on the right and Simon Heaton's cross was struck home from the edge of the box by Mark Phillips. Clitheroe eventually settled into a neat passing game and Schofield ought to have equalised when he headed wide from a great position! Leon Mike nearly added a second for Mossley as his first time shot whistled past the post after a great one touch move. Mossley comfortably weathered a spell of Clitheroe pressure and were back in control well before the half time interval. The second half saw Mossley in complete control, allowing the home side no space and looking threatening with every attack. The second goal, when it came in the 64th minute was richly deserved. Rob Matthews broke down the right and his low cross was struck into the bottom corner by Leon Mike from 20 yards. Matthews was replaced by Josh Howard and  Leon Mike by his cousin Adie Mike and the two newcomers were the perpetrators of Mossley's third goal, Mike's downward header found Josh Howard on the right and after a quick shuffle he drifted at pace past the last line of defence and slipped the ball home from a difficult angle on the right. Steve Tobin hit the bar when a free kick was played short to him and Adie Mike was denied a goal by a last ditch block as Mossley sought to rub salt into Clitheroe's already opened wounds.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Mark Phillips (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Dave Brown (8) Y
5. Paul Taylor (9*)
6. Tony Coyne (8) Y
7. Simon Heaton (8)
8. Steve Tobin (8)
9.  Rob Matthews (7)
10. Leon Mike (8)
11. Russ Headley (8)
Subs
12. Josh Howard (8) (for Matthews 65 mins)
14. Adie Mike (8) (for L.Mike 74 mins)
15. Shaun Dootson (7) (for Taylor 82 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Paul Taylor...back to his commanding best!
Verdict:
Stunning!!!

COYNE'S JUST ENOUGH!
Mossley 4 Atherton Collieries 3

NWCFL Challenge Cup 1st Round
Mossley did just enough and no more to see off the spirited challenge of the Division’s bottom club Atherton Collieries at Seel Park in this afternoon’s League Cup tie as the Lilywhites reluctantly set about retaining the trophy that they won back in May. Colls looked a better outfit than their more than humble league placing suggested, even recovering from a two goal deficit with some lively forward play. In Mario Sergio-Daniel, Colls had a very quick attacking outlet and he shocked the home fans when he fired the visitors in front on 12 minutes after bursting through the middle at pace to slot home. It could have been double trouble for slumbering Mossley a few minutes later when Andy Bridge’s effort bounced back off the bar. Having said that, Mossley always looked capable of scoring with Leon Mike and Tony Carroll both going close. The goal stunned Mossley into taking the appropriate action and the equaliser duly arrived on 20 minutes, Headley won a corner on the left and Rob Matthews inch perfect kick was powerfully headed home by Mark Phillips. A minute later and Mossley were front. Matthews broke down the right wing and crossed for Leon Mike to head home his first goal in a Mossley shirt. The game looked secure when Leon Mike struck again three minutes after the break as he slotted home after Headley’s cross from the left and been headed to him by half time substitute Matty Taylor. With the game seemingly won Mossley decided to get sloppy and when Tony Coyne gave the ball away from a free kick the powerful and pacey Andy Bridge brushed aside all-comers to reduce the arrears from a difficult angle with 59 minutes on the clock. The home side still confident of eventual victory switched off again in the 74th minute allowing Martin Stewart the chance to force the ball home after Mossley had failed to clear. A minute later the game was wrapped up as Colls had hardly finished celebrating their unlikely equaliser when Headley brilliantly set up Tony Coyne who hammered the ball into the roof of the net from ten yards. SteveTobin then hit the bar with a thunderbolt but Colls weren’t flattered by the score-line and Mossley will have to be more ‘up for it’ next Saturday.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (6)
2. Mark Phillips (7)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Dave Brown (6)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Tony Coyne (5)
7. Rob Matthews (6)
8. Steve Tobin (6) Y
9. Tony Carroll (5)
10. Leon Mike (7)
11. Russ Headley (8*)
Subs:
12. Simon Heaton (7) (for Mike 62 mins)
14. Matty Taylor (7) (for Brown 45 mins)
15. Shaun Dootson (7) (for Coyne 76 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Russ Headley...another sparkling display from the on-form winger
Verdict: Well, Mossley won the un-losable match, just! Errr!….bring on Fleetwood!?!


MOSSLEY GO TOP!
Warrington Town 0 Mossley 2
The potential banana skin at Warrington was overcome by a solid competent display by Mossley at a damp and drizzly Cantilever Park this evening. Chances were few for either side in a nip and tuck first half that Mossley possibly just about shaded against a physical and up for it home side. The half was marred by the sight of Alan Bailey leaving the field on a stretcher with a knee injury in the 19th minute to set up another cameo appearance by Leon Mike and he was instantly prominent with some powerful touches. After the break it was Mossley who began to dominate, with the threat of the League’s leading scorer Graeme Mitchell nullified by Paul Taylor and Dave Brown Mossley were able to step up a gear led by a hard grafting performance from Steve Tobin who dominated midfield. On the flanks Russ Headley and Simon Heaton were prominent and they were both involved in the opening goal in the 50th minute. Tony Coyne broke on the right, fed Heaton and his deep cross was hammered home from close range by Russ Headley in an almost carbon copy of Saturday’s winner. Spurred on by this, Mossley continued to press and Heaton struck a curling effort just wide while Mike and Tony Carroll were keeping the home defence too busy for comfort. The clinching goal came in the 75th minute. The home defence failed to clear Heaton’s right wing corner and the ball broke to skipper Paul Taylor who drove the ball home through a crowded box. Thereafter Mossley controlled the remainder of the game to go top of the League for the first time this season.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Tony Coyne (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Shaun Dootson (7)
7. Simon Heaton (8)
8. Steve Tobin (9*)
9. Tony Carroll (7)
10. Alan Bailey (7)
11. Russ Headley (8) Y
Subs:
12. Mark Phillips (8) (for Dootson 67 mins)
14. Rob Matthews (7) (for L.Mike 76 mins)
15. Leon Mike (8) (for Bailey (19 mins). Yellow card: Headley
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Steve Tobin...settling in nicely thank-you very much!!
Verdict: Tricky touches, tough tackling, two goals and top of the League!

RUSS IS A DOMINOES WINNER!
Mossley 1 Stone Dominoes 0

Stone Dominoes came close to ending Mossley’s winning run at Seel Park this afternoon as they chased and harried the Lilywhites out of their currently confident stride as several Mossley players had ‘off days’. Not to worry though, in a carbon copy of the game at Stone last month Mossley edged to victory with a Russ Headley goal. Ironically Russ has only scored twice so far this season but they have both been the goals that have beaten Stone Dominoes. Stone started brightly but as the half wore on Mossley began to dominate without having the cutting edge they have displayed recently but only had two Alan Bailey efforts that missed the target as their only chances of the half and former Mossley keeper Rob Hackney remained largely untroubled. At the other Jean-Paul Ndjebayi made a spectacular save to deny Harris’ point-blank header. After the interval Stone again worked the Mossley midfield but it was Mossley who came closest when Steve Sheil (who was injured a few minutes later) had a header cleared off the line. The game, which had been strangely stretched from quite early on, was finally won in the 65th minute when substitute Leon Mike (who had moments earlier replaced the largely ineffective Shaun Dootson) sent Alan Bailey scurrying down the right and his low cross was joyfully hammered into the roof of the net from three yards out by Russ Headley. Stone were trying hard to pass the ball through Mossley’s reshuffled defence but Ndjebayi, who, after flapping at an early cross had an assured game, and his occasionally nervous defenders, held firm as the home side took the points and a hard earned double over a useful looking Staffordshire team.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Tony Coyne (7)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Shaun Dootson (5)
7. Simon Heaton (7) Y
8. Steve Tobin (6)
9. Tony Carroll (6)
10. Alan Bailey (8)
11. Russ Headley (8*)
Subs:
12. Mark Phillips (for Sheil 60 mins)
14. Leon Mike (for Dootson)
15. Adie Mike (not used).

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Russ Headley...good to see him back to top form!
Verdict: Three points ground out...and Clitheroe lost at home!


MOSSLEY TAME THE RAMS!
Ramsbottom United 2 Mossley 5
With Ramsbottom’s Riverside Ground in excellent condition Mossley had the perfect opportunity to get their passing game going again and they did so in style with a pulsating first half performance that had the home side’s defence in tatters. The game took a while to settle with neither side making much headway but it was Mossley who drew first blood in the 25th minute. Russ Headley, who had an excellent game, broke on the left passed inside to Steve Tobin and he in turn teed up Tony Carroll who blasted a 20 yard thunderbolt past the home side’s debutant keeper. Three minutes later Mossley doubled the lead when Headley and Carroll combined to free Steve Tobin who burst through a static defence to slot home. Alan Bailey had two excellent chances to make it 3-0 but the goal that effectively killed the contest came from the spot in the 38th minute when Headley was bundled over and Tony Coyne made no mistake from the 12 yard mark. Mossley slackened the pace after the break but finally added a fourth on 72 minutes as Dave Brown’s through ball set up Tony Carroll who again volleyed home a powerful drive from the edge of the box. Three minutes later Dave Brown, who had moved up to midfield only moments earlier, fired home from ten yards from Simon Heaton’s cross. Ramy pulled a goal back in the 84th minute when Mark Brown cross from the left eluded everyone and ended in the back of the Mossley net and 3 minutes from time Ramy were awarded a penalty for a foul and although Ndjebayi made a spectacular save from Gareth Gardiner’s spot kick, the referee awarded a retake and this time Gardiner netted to give the score more respectability from the home side’s point of view.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Tony Coyne (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Shaun Dootson (8)
7. Simon Heaton (8)
8. Steve Tobin (8) Y
9. Tony Carroll (8)
10. Alan Bailey (8)
11. Russ Headley (9*)
Subs:
12. Mark Phillips (7) (for Dootson (73 mins)
14. Leon Mike (not used)
15. Adie Mike (7) (for Bailey (76 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Russ Headley—teased and tormented his marker all night!
Verdict: Another classy display and another excellent result!

FIVE ON THE TROT!
Mossley 2 Salford City 0
Any chance that this Mossley v Salford City game had of being an entertaining clash was all but ruined by a strong gusty wind that neither side fully got to grips with. Scoring chances were at a premium but Mossley worked hard for the points and got them with two high quality goals. Mossley were first to settle and opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Dave Brown, who had his best game since returning to Mossley, played an accurate through ball into the path of Alan Bailey and the September ’Player of the Month’ calmly slotted past stranded Salford keeper John Gilles. The Lilywhites rode their luck when Tony Coyne headed off the line and Jean-Paul Ndjebayi made a fine flying save from Gerratty while at the other end a fantastic move which saw Mossley keep possession for at around twenty passes ended when Matthews cross from the left was scrambled clear with Bailey ready to pounce.
Salford defended solidly but offered very little offensively and despite dominating play after the break, with Mossley’s passing becoming a little ragged, they were unable to create any real chances. The game’s finest moment came in the 70th minute. Newly signed midfielder Steve Tobin, on as a halftime substitute for the injured Matty Taylor, brilliantly switched play to Rob Matthews on the right and the super skilled winger coolly sidestepped his marker before planting a delightfully delicate chip between Gilles and the bar to all but assure that the points went to Mossley. Salford’s Andy Wearden then dismissed a few minutes later for a second bookable offence following a foul on Tobin and Mossley, without too much consternation earned their fifth successive victory.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Matty Taylor (7)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Dave Brown (8*)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Tony Coyne (7) Y
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Shaun Dootson (8)
9. Tony Carroll (6)
10. Alan Bailey (7) Y
11. Rob Matthews (8)
Subs:
12. Steve Tobin (7) Y (for M.Taylor 45 mins)
14. Mark Phillips (7) (for P.Taylor 80 mins)
15. Russ Headley (7) (for Heaton 68 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Dave Brown, solid and commanding and enjoying playing against his former club!
Verdict: Three points...and sometimes that’s all that matters!

MOSSLEY COAST HOME!
Mossley 5 Fleetwood Town 1
Following a minutes silence in respect of former Mossley manager Don Wilson who passed away on Sunday—the Lilywhites completely controlled this game against Fleetwood and deservedly ran out 5-1 winners. Despite strong blustery conditions Mossley were able to keep the ball on the deck and play some great pass and move football in a comfortably one sided first half. Mossley were quickly into gear and opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Man of the Match Matty Taylor and Rob Matthews opened up the Fleetwood defence on the right before Josh Howard’s fleet footedness set up Alan Bailey for a close range tap in. Just a minute later and Mossley had doubled the advantage as a super Matthews cross from the right was knocked home by Tony Carroll to take him into double figures for the season.
Fleetwood reduced the arrears in the 19th minute when the powerful Adam Tong burst through the middle to beat Ndjebayi with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The one goal gap at half time was hardly comfortable but the result was effectively sealed five minutes after the restart when Shaun Dootson’s slide rule through ball found Tony Carroll and he finished with power from 15 yards.
Alan Bailey added his second just a minute later as he was set up by a great move involving Matty Taylor and Dootson. With 31 minutes still remaining Mossley added a fifth. A short corner on the right involving Tony Coyne and Matthews saw the latter cross to the far post and Steve Sheil bundle the ball home from six yards.
With the fans baying for goals Mossley inexplicably took their foot off the gas and allowed Fleetwood some respite and it was the visitors who looked the more likely thereafter, although Tony Carroll had a great chance to complete his hat-trick but he fired over the bar when well placed and the game, long over as a contest finally petered out.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Matty Taylor (9*)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Dave Brown (7)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Tony Coyne (8)
7. Rob Matthews (8)
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Tony Carroll (7)
10. Alan Bailey (7)
11. Shaun Dootson (8)
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (6) (for Howard 78 mins)
14. Adie Mike (6) (for Bailey 72 mins)
15. Simon Heaton (7) (for Matthews 67 mins).

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Matty Taylor—a great display of pace and skill on the right!
Verdict: Another convincing win . . . and it’s looking good!

PT WINS IT FOR TEN MAN MOSSLEY!
Bacup Borough 0 Mossley 1

Mossley continued their rich vein of away form as an injury time winner took the points. The game was played on a poor surface, with a huge slope and Mossley struggled to get to grips with the slope early on. Once they settled down they started to knock the ball around with some confidence, with Matty Taylor finding space on regular occasions down the right flank. One such break resulted in a drilled cross from Taylor towards the front post, but Horridge gathered the ball just before Alan Bailey arrived. A defensive slip-up gave Bailey another chance to open the scoring and he shot past the goalkeeper but his effort hit the side netting. Mossley were dominating proceedings but Gray almost gave Bacup the lead with a snapshot which flew over the bar. A neat interchange with Tony Carroll gave Rob Matthews an opportunity, but his effort struck the outside of the Bacup post and rolled down the slope to safety. The game possibly changed midway through the first half, when Rob Matthews received two yellow cards within a minute, the first for a foul and the second for dissent after saying something to the match official. This left Mossley having to play with ten men for over an hour, but they kept taking the game to the hosts and were unlucky not to open the scoring when Horridge flapped at a cross, but Alan Bailey’s effort clipped the top of the bar. The second half saw the pace of Mossley’s game drop as they started to struggle playing with ten men and were failing to create opportunities. Bailey set up Shaun Dootson, but his shot struck Carroll as it flew goalwards. Mossley gained some momentum when Simon Heaton came on as substitute and his width started to stretch the Bacup defence. Cryer almost snatched a goal for Bacup but his drive was well saved by Ndjebayi who handled well all afternoon. Mossley kept pushing forward and the moment arrived as the game entered added on time, as a Heaton corner was firmly headed home by skipper Paul Taylor. The lead was almost doubled a minute later when Carroll had a one-on-one with the goalkeeper but Horridge saved with his legs.
Report courtesy of Simon Howard (Mossleymania)
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Matty Taylor (8) Y
3. Steve Sheil (8*)
4. Dave Brown (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Tony Coyne (8)
7. Rob Matthews (8) YYR
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Tony Carroll (8)
10. Alan Bailey (8)
11. Shaun Dootson (8)
Subs:
12. Simon Heaton (8) Y (for M.Taylor 76 mins)
14. Russ Headley (for Dootson 90 mins)
15. Adie Mike (not used)
Man of the Match : Steve Sheil – an extremely dominant performance at the back and also excelled bringing the ball forward on a tricky surface.

Verdict: Battling performance and a thoroughly deserved three points.

FIVE GOALS BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN FIFTEEN!
St Helens Town 2 Mossley 5

If Mossley could only play on a surface as good as this every week then there would surely be no worries, as Mossley toyed and teased St Helens at Knowsley Road tonight playing what was at times some breathtaking football. Mossley had got into gear quickly and could already have been two up before Rob Matthews opened the scoring on 12 minutes when his 25 yard shot was deflected off a defender and looped into the top corner. The claret and blue clad Lilywhites were in no mood to sit back and enjoy their lead and they positively ripped into the home side with chance after chance going begging. Leon Mike, on his way back to full fitness started alongside Alan Bailey and the two of them were able to carve open the home defence almost at will, while Tony Coyne will probably never understand how he didn't score a first half hat-trick. Mike showed some of the class that made him a Scottish Premier League regular with Aberdeen as he continually out powered and out manouvered his markers while Bailey, all pace and poise was everywhere. Shaun Dootson also starting for the first time took a while to settle but when he did, he also played well! That Mossley weren't 8 up by half time was pure luck on St Helens part, as their young, albeit enthusiastic side had been ripped apart in a totally one sided half that somehow ended 1-1 when Lee Smith curled home a stunning 25 yard equaliser almost on the stroke of half time. Mossley only had to wait a solitary minute after the restart though before regaining the lead that their play so much deserved. Dave Brown's route on through ball found Alan Bailey who outpaced the defence before half volleying home from 18 yards with his first touch. Mossley's domination appeared complete five minutes later when Matthews set Leon Mike free on the right and he totally outwitted his marker before crossing low to the far post for Shaun Dootson to rifle home from 12 yards. Amazingly Saints were back in the game again only three minutes later when Andy Varns headed home a great cross from the left, but any chance of a St Helens comeback was halted for good when Tony Coyne made it 4-2 in the 71st minute as he drove home at the far post from  Matthews right wing corner. The scoring was completed in the 78th minute. Adie Mike had replaced his younger cousin for his debut ten minutes earlier and had caused St Helens tiring defence a similaar number of problems before Steve Sheil set him up to curl a great shot into the far corner from 20 yards. Chance after chance had gone begging for Mossley who, with a little more luck and precision could have at least doubled and maybe even tripled the final score! Great entertainment, pure football!
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (7)
5. Dave Brown (7)
6. TonyCoyne (7)
7. Rob Matthews (8)
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Leon Mike (8)
10. Alan Bailey (9*)
11. Shaun Dootson (8)
12. Paul Taylor (not used)
14. Russ Headley (6) (for Dootson 73 mins)
15. Adie Mike (7) (for L.Mike 68 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Alan Bailey - yet again a brilliant display and another goal!
Verdict: 'Just like watching Brazil'  ;-)

BAILEY DOUBLE SETTLES IT!
Atherton Laburnum Rovers 1 Mossley 2

A very poor playing surface and a strong wind prevented this game from being anything like a spectacle, but, as the desired result was eventually achieved then this poor performance can, just for this once, be forgiven. It could have been a disaster for Mossley as in LR's first attack Jean-Paul Ndjebayi fumbled a through ball and then momentarily grabbed at the leg of the incoming LR striker and the referee awarded a penalty. Fortunately for Mossley Jean-Paul was only yellow carded and Paul Crompton's spot kick flew well wide of the right hand post and Jean-Paul's blushes were saved.  Mossley began to look dangerous and finally took a deserved lead on 17 minutes. Rob Matthews well struck corner from the left was dummied by DaveBrown for Alan Bailey to finally score that elusive goal with a  close range tap in. Mossley keeper Jean-Paul was again the centre of attention as a linesman signalled he had handled outside the area when kicking out and Atherton's players were incensed that the referee didn't send off the offending Mossley keeper. Ndjebayi righted the wrong himself this time diving to his right to save well from the resultant free kick. Mossley failed to regain their grip for a while after the interval and home striker Ben Obong's pace started to cause problems for Mossley as the home side resorted to long ball tactics. This eventually paid off when in the 66th minute Obong was upended by Mark Phillips and this time Paul Crompton made no mistake with his penalty kick. The introduction of Leon Mike and Shaun Dootson seemed to galvanize Mossley and they started to exert some pressure with Mike prominent on the right wing showing some of his credentials with some great skill and precision passing. He was finally involved in the winning goal six minutes from time. Rob Matthews played a quick one-two with Mike and Matthews set up Alan Bailey who hooked a brilliantly unorthadox looping shot over the stranded keeper to give Mossley the maximum number of points.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7) Y
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (6)
4. Mark Phillips (7)
5. Dave Brown (7)
6. Tony Coyne (7)
7. Rob Matthews (7)
8. Josh Howard (6)
9. Tony Carroll (5)
10. Alan Bailey (8*)
11. Russ Headley (5)
Subs:
12. Paul Taylor (not used)
14. Leon Mike (8) (for Headley 67 mins)
15. Shaun Dootson (7) (for Howard 77 mins) 
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Alan Bailey - two well taken goals and no-one more deserved them!
Verdict: Three points is always good!

MOSSLEY DESERVED SOMETHING!
Mossley 1 Clitheroe 2

Mossley can consider themseleves very unlucky to have lost this vital top of the table clash against Clitheroe at Seel Park. The visitors winner came just 12 minutes from time from the penalty spot. It was a fine game and a great advert for the non-league game as both sides played some bright and attacking football. Mossley played well from the off with Alan Bailey and Rob Matthews a serious threat to a worried looking Clitheroe defence and it was the latter who opened the scoring in the 11th minute when his fierce shot took a deflection and looped over the stranded Richens in an almost a carbon copy of the goal he scored against Clitheroe in the League Cup Final back in May. A second goal would surely have killed Clitheroe off at this point but despite forcing the play and creating chances Mossley couldn't find the finishing touch despite some superb approach play. Main culprit was Alan Bailey, although this is not a criticism, as he played brilliantly leading the line well and causing a constant threat right up until being surprisingly substituted on 74 minutes. Clitheroe had caused little threat up until an 'out of the blue' equaliser in the 23rd minute when Gary Jackson's 20 yard stunner levelled matters. Mossley pressed again after the break and Bailey was unlucky when his angled effort hit the post. Mossley had several chances to take the lead, but so did Clitheroe as Stansfield hit the bar and Ndjebayi made  a great save to deny Spencer. Mossley had already had a penalty appeal waved away when a mistimed tackle by Paul Taylor resulted in a penalty award 12 minutes from time that John-Paul Fagan promptly converted. It was a stunning blow for Mossley as they had looked the more likely victors all evening and despite a late assault on the Clitheroe goal Mossley couldn't force the equaliser that their overall performance so much deserved.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (8)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Tony Coyne (7)
7. Simon Heaton (8)
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Alan Bailey (9*)
10. Dave Brown (7)
11. Rob Matthews (8)
Subs:
12. Tony Carroll (6) (for Bailey 74 mins)
14. Russ Headley (not used)
15. Shaun Dootson (7) (for Coyne 70 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Alan Bailey - great performance until surprise substitution!
Verdict: Keep playing like that and there's no worries!

A RIGHT THRASHING!
Mossley 6 Glossop North End 0

Glossop were spared the embarrassment of a double figure defeat thanks to some fine goalkeeping by Stuart Williams as majestic Mossley tore the hapless Hillmen apart at Seel Park this afternoon.
Mossley might have scored twice in the opening moments before winning a 4th minute penalty for handball that Tony Coyne slotted home comfortably. Mossley added a second in the 12th minute as Simon Heaton’s deep cross from the right found Rob Matthews, in his first game since returning from Altrincham, beat Williams at his far post with an angled drive.
Mossley’s domination was total and it was no surprise when a third was added in the 26th minute this time with an own goal as Danny Yates looped a header over his own keeper and into the net.
The rampant Lilywhites were toying with the visitors playing superb pass and move football and after Alan Bailey twice, Josh Howard and Matthews had been unlucky not to score Mossley added a fourth a minute before the break with a high quality team effort. Matty Taylor worked the right wing and pulled the ball back to Bailey who in turn held the ball up superbly before teeing up Rob Matthews for his second goal of a triumphant return.
The second half saw more pressure and seven minutes in Mossley made in 5-0. Rob Matthews curled a great drive against the bar and the ball broke for Heaton who gave Dave Brown a simple tap in from eight yards.
The scoring was completed in the 69th minute when Heaton’s right wing corner was typically headed home by Mark Phillips.
Williams then produced a one man show to keep the score down saving brilliantly from Bailey, Matthews and substitute Tony Carroll as his Glossop team mates heads dropped alarmingly and Mossley were unable to increase the lead further.
Team:
1. Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Steve Sheil (8) Y
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Tony Coyne (8)
7. Simon Heaton (9) Y
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Alan Bailey (8)
10. Dave Brown (8) Y
11. Rob Matthews (9*)
Subs:
12. Tony Carroll (for Bailey 75 mins)
14. Russ Headley (for Heaton 75 mins)
15. Shaun Dootson (for Coyne (75 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Rob Matthews—2 great goals and could have been 4!
Verdict: Too one sided for words!

BACK ON TRACK!
Abbey Hey 1 Mossley 4
Mossley got back on track at Abbey Hey tonight to end a run of three games without success. Mossley finally gave a debut to keeper Jean-Paul Ndjebayi and although his keeping style is unorthodox he was non-the-less effective as a last line of a defence behind  a backfour that still looked a little shaky after recent lapses.
Mossley had gotten off to a great start, taking the lead in only the 8th minute when Simon Heaton’s right wing corner was won by the head of Steve Sheil and Tony Carroll was on hand to nod home from close range.
Mossley comfortably dominated the play but were unable to add to the scoreline, Mark Phillips coming closest when his header hit the bar. At the other end Abbey’s best chance came from a mistake when Matty Taylor over hit a back pass and Ndjebayi was forced to save quickly with his feet.
Abbey started the second half in a more determined mood while Mossley strolled like they had already won the game and paid for their laxness in the 52nd minute when Ndjebayi saved from Troy Hayder only to see Tim Bailey react quicker than the Mossley defence to net the rebound.
Abbey had a spell of pressure that saw Mossley’s creaky defence tested again but this time they held firm and then went in front on 59 minutes with an extra-ordinary goal. Paul Taylor’s clearance found Simon Heaton in the clear on the right and he ran half the length of the field rounded keeper Lyons (who was hurt in the process) and steered the ball home from a near impossible angle from the right hand edge of the box.
Mossley became more confident and pressed home the advantage through Dave Brown who headed home Josh Howard’s right wing cross. The scoring was rounded off by Josh Howard who calmly slotted home Heaton’s low cross from the right. Mossley almost added a fifth but Alan Bailey headed against the bar and Dave Brown did the same from the rebound.
Team:
1.
Jean-Paul Ndjebayi (7)
2. Matty Taylor (6)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (7)
5. Paul Taylor (6)
6. Tony Coyne (7) Y
7. Simon Heaton (8*)
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Tony Carroll (6)
10. Alan Bailey (7)
11. Dave Brown (7) Y
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (7) (for Carroll 70 mins)
14. Shaun Dootson (for M.Taylor 88 mins)
15. Gavinlee Ellison (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Simon Heaton—scored one, made two!
Verdict: Much better, but the defence still looks a little less than confident!

DEFENSIVE SUICIDE !
Mossley 1 Newcastle Town 3
Mossley commited defensive suicide in the first half hour against a workmanlike but unspectacular Newcastle Town side at Seel Park this afternoon. Just what was going through the minds of defender Clive Brown and goalkeeper Phil Melville no-one will ever know, but, suffice to say, both may lose sleep over their parts in this first home League defeat of the season. Brown, at right back found himself marking Newcastle's Mick Lennon and he was given the freedom of Seel Park to score two and make the other as Newcastle raced into an unasailable three goal lead. Evidence, if needed of Brown's inadequacies on this occasion were shown when Brown was replaced at right back by Matty Taylor, Lennon's contribution to a game he had comanded ended asTaylor snuffed out his threat, and he found himself substituted long before the end. Melville for his part was beaten at his near post twice, the second time by a scuffed shot that he had simply ages to get accross to. Lennon gave Newcastle the lead in the 12th minute when he completely foxed Brown before slotting home a goal that Melville should have had covered. The second came in the 28th minute when Lennon again beat Brown with ease and set up Paul Kiely whose effort from fifteen yards was deflected over the stranded Melville. New signing Shaun Dootson then replaced Brown but Newcastle added a third almost immediately when Lennon completely miscued his shot only to watch in awe as Melville failed to get accross his goal in time as the ball bobbled over the line. Mossley finally responded a minute later when Alan Bailey broke on the right and crossed low for Tony Carroll to turn home from close range. Mossley had a great chance to reduce the score further in the dying seconds of the half but Carroll blazed wide of an open goal from twenty yards out after goalkeeper Bentley had fumbled a cross. After the break Mossley completely dominated possession with Newcastle happy to sit on their lead and the best chance came when Mark Phillips rose to head powerfully against the post and any chance Mossley had of staging a dramatic recovery ended there.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (4)
2. Clive Brown (3)
3. Lee Todd (7)
4. Mark Phillips (8) Y
5. Steve Sheil (7)
6. Simon Heaton (6)
7. Matty Taylor (8*)
8. Josh Howard (7)
9. Tony Carroll (6)
10. Alan Bailey (8)
11. Russ Headley (6)
Subs:
12. Paul Taylor (7) (for Todd 72 mins)
14. Shaun Dootson (7) (for Brown 30 mins) Y
15. Nathan Brookes (5) (for Headley (69 mins)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Matty Taylor - one of few Mossley players to come away with any credit!
Verdict: First half horror show is costly...again!!!

MOSSLEY THRASH BACUP 0-0!
Mossley 0 Bacup Borough 0
Just how Mossley failed to win this totally one sided encounter will forever remain a mystery. From the moment Josh Howard headed over an open goal in only the second minute it seemed only a matter of time before the floodgates would open. Unfortunately, Mossley found former Lilywhites keeper Tommy Allen and the woodwork as major obstacles to victory and Bacup escaped with an thoroughly unlikely point. Mossley started like they meant business and when Simon Heaton’s 25 yard dipper came back off the bar Howard seemed a certain scorer but he unfortunately looped his header over an open goal from the rebound. Two minutes later the woodwork again interceded, this time denying Alan Bailey. Mossley continued to dominate but Allen was in inspired form and got in the way of everything Mossley could throw at him. The second half saw Bacup’s overworked defence dig trenches as Mossley upped the pace and bombarded the visitors goal. Tony Carroll rasped a viscous shot off the underside of the bar, two efforts were cleared off the line and Bailey hit the post again with a header. Allen made a super diving save to deny Mark Phillips’ powerful header from yet another Mossley corner and the ex Mossley custodian made another flying save to deny Bailey from a tight angle. Mossley’s last chance came when Bailey won a free kick just outside the box but Lee Todd’s 20 yard curler just cleared the bar with Allen for once just a spectator. Bacup’s Lee Anderson (son of late 1960’s Mossley player Louis Anderson) was sent off for a second bookable offence in the last minute after Bacup had spent as much time—time wasting as they possibly could as they clung on desperately at the end.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (5)
2.
Matty Taylor (7)
3. Lee Todd (8)
4. Mark Phillips (6) Y
5. Steve Sheil (6)
6. Tony Coyne (7)
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Dave Brown (6) Y
9. Tony Carroll (6)
10. Alan Bailey (8*) Y
11. Josh Howard (6)
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (5) (for Howard 80 mins)
14. Nathan Brookes (5) (for Carroll 80 mins)
15. Gavinlee Ellison (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Alan Bailey—How he never got on the score-sheet I’ll never know!!
Verdict: Much better performance but the scoring touch needs to be re-found quickly!

FA CUP HORROR SHOW!
Mossley 1 Hyde United 6
Mossley chose this FA Cup local derby in front of the best crowd of the season so far to give by far their poorest performance to crash out of the national competition against neighbours Hyde United at Seel Park today. Hyde were quicker and more incisive throughout the tie as Mossley’s passing game was easily stifled by an experienced and direct Hyde team. It had all started well enough on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Seel Park and Mossley had the first real chance when Alan Bailey, by far Mossley’s best player on a day to forget as soon as possible, skipped away on the right and pulled the ball back for Tony Coyne who blazed over the bar from ten yards with the goal at his mercy. Hyde took the lead in the 17th minute when former Manchester United and Blackpool player John O’Kane was on hand to score when Paul Taylor slipped when attempting a tackle. A minute later Mossley were in real trouble when Craig Buckley pounced to score from a rebound after former Mossley player Neil Tolson’s speculative effort had come back off the bar. Anthony Wright added a third on 29 minutes after Melville had dived to push McNeil’s shot onto the post with the Mossley defence again unable or unwilling to react. Mossley gained a foothold back in the game in the 39th minute when Simon Heaton crossed low from deep on the left and Alan Bailey nipped between ball and keeper John Baker to steer the ball between his legs from close range. Mossley were in further trouble seconds later when Paul Taylor was penalised for upending Wright but Melville was able to smother Tolson’s weak penalty kick. At this point the Lilywhites looked like they may mount a recovery and a double half time substitution with Matty Taylor and Lee Todd replacing Steve Sheil and Russ Headley threatened to pay dividends. Unfortunately for Mossley it was Hyde who struck first when a Mossley attack broke down and Anthony Wright was on hand to finish a route one Hyde attack. Mossley’s Paul Taylor was then stretchered off the field with a serious looking injury to be replaced by Craig Coote and further late goals by Matty McNeil (70 minutes) and Craig Buckley (85 minutes) rounded off a miserable afternoon for Mossley players, management and fans alike.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (5)
2. Clive Brown (5)
3. Steve Sheil (5)
4. Mark Phillips (6)
5. Paul Taylor (4)
6. Tony Coyne (5)
7. Simon Heaton (5)
8. Josh Howard (5) Y
9. Tony Carroll (5)
10. Alan Bailey (8*)
11. Russ Headley (5)
Subs:
12. Matty Taylor (5) (for Headley 45 minutes)
14. Nathan Brookes (not used)
15. Lee Todd (5) (for Sheil 45 minutes)
16. Craig Coote (5) (for Taylor (60 minutes)
17. Gavinlee Ellison (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Alan Bailey—the only Mossley player to come away with any credit from a shocking team performance!
Verdict: Too grim for words!


ONE-BLANK AT DOMINOES!

Stone Dominoes 0 Mossley 1

Mossley were forced to work hard for maximum points by previously unbeaten Division One newcomers Stone Dominoes at Meir tonight. Mossley were poor in the first half and unable to make any impression on a confident home side who played flowing pass and move football. Stone had two excellent chances to take the lead, Jamie Cartwright saw his effort come back off a post and the same fate befell Dave Shaw who saw his shot come back off the post only for Tony Naylor to drive the ball into the ground and up over the bar with the goal at his mercy. New signing Dave Brown had only been on the field a couple of minutes when he missed a gilt edged chance, heading wide from close range when he looked a certain scorer. It was a different Mossley however, who appeared after the break and chinks started to appear in the Stone armour. Dave Brown began to exert some authority and Russ Headley was leading his marker a merry dance on the left and it was he who scored the games only goal with great skill and precision on 64 minutes. Receiving the ball just inside the Stone half he outwitted to tacklers before taking the ball to the corner of the six yard box and curling the ball beyond the despairing reach of Rob Hackney and into the bottom corner. It was a great goal and a worthy match winner as there was only really going to be one winner thereafter as Mossley confidently held on to the slender lead and were unlucky on a couple of occasions not to add to it as Stone’s confidence visibly waned.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Clive Brown (8)
3. Steve Sheil (7)
4. Mark Phillips (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Tony Coyne (6)
7. Simon Heaton (8)
8. Gavinlee Ellison (6)
9. Tony Carroll (7)
10. Nathan Brookes (7) Y
11. Russ Headley (8*) Y
Subs:
12. Matty Taylor (7) (for Ellison (65 mins)
14. Dave Brown (8) (for Coyne (39 mins)
15. Lee Todd (7) (for P.Taylor 80 mins)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Russ Headley—murdered his marker and scored a great goal!
Verdict: Terrible first half showing followed by a fine second half performance!

COYNY DOES THE TRICK!
Mossley 5 St Helens Town 2

Mossley coasted to a relatively comfortable victory over St Helens Town at Seel Park this afternoon with the help of Tony Coyne's first hat-trick for the club. Coyne, captain in the absence of the injured Paul Taylor celebrated in style by also winning the first 'Player of the Month' award for this season. Mossley were slow out of the blocks against an enthusiastic but somewhat naive St Helens side but took the lead in the 15th minute after some bizarre refereeing. Tony Carroll was upended in the box, the referee signalled play on despite being only five yards or so from the incident but a far more astute linesman back on the half way line raised his flag and placed it accross his chest. After a brief consultation the referee awarded Mossley the penalty which Tony Coyne slotted home. The second goal came on 28 minutes. Nathan Brookes won a corner on the  left and Simon Heaton's corner kick was powerfully headed home by Mark Phillips for his first goal of the season. Mossley had to wait until the 54th minute for the third goal and again it was from the spot, this time it was Tony Coyne who was felled from behind and the same player left the keeper rooted with his second penalty of the game. Tony Carroll made it 4-0 on the hour mark when he slotted home after a flick on by Heaton. St Helens reduced the arrears when the livewire Terry Anderson, by far St Helens best player, scored a fine goal. Tony Coyne then completed his hat-trick on 79 minutes when he struck a powerful 25 yarder into the top corner before St Helens managed a late consolation from the spot in the 84th minute when Clive Brown fouled Duffy, although the offence appearaed to be outside the box and Lee Thompson scored under Melville's dive.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (6)
2. Craig Coote (7)
3. Steve Sheil (8)
4. Mark Phillips (7)
5. Clive Brown (7)
6. Tony Coyne (8)
7. Simon Heaton (9*)
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Tony Carroll (8)
10. Gavinlee Ellison (7)
11. Nathan Brookes (6)
Subs:
12. Russ Headley (not used)
14. Matty Taylor (6) (for Coote 76 minutes)
15. Lee Todd  (not used)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Simon Heaton - worked tirelessly and was involved in almost every Mossley attack
Verdict: Great going forward but defensive frailties still causing concern!

INJURY HIT MOSSLEY THROUGH!
Curzon Ashton 2 Mossley 3

Mossley, without a number of key players through injury showed great character to win through tonight’s FA Cup replay at National Park thanks to a terrific late show in extra time. The first 90 minutes were largely uneventful apart from a serious looking early injury to Matty Cross and Tony Carroll’s penalty miss ten minutes from time. The game came to life in extra time when one time Mossley defender Simon Kay forged Curzon in front midway through the first period. It was in the last fifteen minutes that the game turned on it’s head. Five minutes into that fateful last fifteen, a long ball from deep on the left by Russ Headley saw Tony Carroll make amends for his penalty miss by volleying home. Two minutes later Tony Coyne sent the large Mossley contingent wild with delight when he skipped past a couple of challenges and rifled the ball into the net from ten yards. Then, with the fans hardly able to draw breath Simon Heaton broke clear on the right and rolled the ball to surprise substitute Sean Pickering who bundled the ball home from 10 yards to put Mossley 3-1 up and effectively seal the victory. The drama wasn’t quite over though as Matty Wearden reduced the arrears in the last minute with a well taken goal but Mossley celebrations were in overdrive as the final whistle sounded with the Lilywhites worthy victors, £1,000 better off and Hyde United awaiting in the next round. Well done Mossley!
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Clive Brown (8)
3. Matty Cross (x)
4. Steve Sheil (7)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Tony Coyne (9*)
7. Simon Heaton (8)
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Nathan Brookes (7)
10. Craig Coote (7)
11. Russ Headley (7)
Subs:
12. Tony Carroll (7) (for Sheil 61 minutes)
14. Sean Pickering (7) for Ellison (71 minutes)
15. Gavinlee Ellison (7) (for Cross (8 minutes)
16. Stefan Lewis (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Tony Coyne—Yet again outstanding and a superb goal!
Verdict: Mossley rode their luck at times but with so many enforced changes a positive result was thoroughly deserved.

SAS EARNS SECOND CHANCE
Mossley 1 Curzon Ashton 1
(FA Cup Preliminary Round)
Mossley were unfortunate to lose new signing Leon Mike who was injured in the warm up and was replaced a minute into the game by Jamie Almond. Worse was to follow as replacement Alan Bailey limped off on 31 minutes just after having a great chance saved by ex Hyde keeper David Fish. Fish had earlier excelled himeself with a point blank save from Tony Coyne and Bailey's replacement Nathan Brookes shot tamely straight at Fish when put through one on one. The sublime became ridiculous when Simon Heaton was wrong footed by Birch and brought the Curzon player down to concede a penalty that Josh Mitten rolled home to give Curzon a shock lead. Curzon slowed the play down at every opportunity in the second half and continually frustrated Mossley's now lightweight attack. Mossley were thrown an FA Cup lifeline eight minutes from time. Josh Howard shimmied inside the box and hammered a shot off the post that was cleared for a corner on the left. Russ Headley's long corner kick was headed back accross goal by substitute Craig Coote and Steve Sheil was on hand to force the ball home to earn another bite of the cherry at National Park on Monday evening.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (6)
2. Matty Taylor (7)
3. Lee Todd (8)
4. Steve Sheil (8)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Tony Coyne (8*)
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Josh Howard (7)
9. Leon Mike (x)
10. Alan Bailey (6)
11. Russ Headley (6)
Subs:
12. Jamie Almond (6) (for Mike 1 minute)
14. Matty Cross (not used)
15. Nathan Brookes (6) (for Bailey 31 minutes)
16. Craig Coote (7) (for Almond 55 minutes)
17. Gavinlee Ellison (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Tony Coyne—Another hard working performance from Mr Consistency
Verdict: Disappointing, but at least Mossley have another chance!

NIGHTMARE ON BOOTH STREET!
Congleton Town 2 Mossley 0

Mossley gave a below par performance at a very hard working Congleton tonight with Mossley choosing silky skills as opposed to a more direct approach and Congleton getting numbers behind the ball and raiding quickly. Mossley looked comfortably in control through much of the first half but fell behind to a goal that wouldn't look out of place on a football nightmares video. Paul Taylor stumbled while attempting to clear and when he did he hooked the ball into the middle of the goal where Steve Sheil lucklessly directed the ball past the despairing efforts of Phil Melville and Mossley were 1-0 down and stunned. Mossley pressed forward and Alan Bailey was unlucky when the ball bobbled as he shot from a good position and the chance was gone and Josh Howard was even more unlucky when he danced into the box rounded the keeper but saw his effort from the angle cleared off the line. Trailing by the solitary goal at the break and with new signing Leon Mike on in place of Jamie Almond things looked brighter for the second half but it was Congleton who started to get a grip on the game without creating any clear openings. The game was still finely balanced when ex Mossley trialist Dave Wills crossed from the right and Gary Bickerstaffe powerfully headed home. Mossley were unable to break down a now extremely tight marking Congleton defence despite the best efforts of Leon Mike who glanced a header off the post when a cleaner connection would have brought a goal and a free kick that home keeper Conkie saved. At the other end Mossley were almost punished further when Phil Melville tangled with Williams while attempting to clear the ball and the referee awarded a penalty and booked Melville for the offence. Scully hammered the penalty against the underside of the bar and the ball was cleared.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (6) Y
2. Matty Taylor (6)
3. Matty Cross (5)
4. Steve Sheil (6)
5. Paul Taylor (6)
6. Tony Coyne (8*) Y
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Josh Howard (7)
9. Alan Bailey (7)
10. Jamie Almond (5)
11. Russ Headley (6)
Subs:
12. Leon Mike (7) (for Almond 45 minutes)
14. Gavinlee Ellison (6) (for Heaton 58 min)
15. Lee Todd (6) (for Cross 64 min).

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Tony Coyne—tirelessly worked the midfield all night.
Verdict: Too much fancy stuff against a very solid and direct team and hopefully a lesson learned quickly!

BAILEY GIVES COLNE THE BLUES
Colne 2 Mossley 3
(FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round)

On the weekend of the famous Colne Blues festival is was Mossley striker Alan Bailey who gave Colne the blues with a fine winning goal against the NWCFL 2nd Division promotion favourites at Holt House this afternoon. With first use of the notorious slope Colne applied some early pressure and took a surprise lead as early as the 7th minute when Steve Cunningham turned home a low left wing corner. As the visitors, without the injured trio of Tony Carroll, Mark Phillips and Matty Taylor, began to get to grips with their hard working opponents an equaliser looked more and more likely and it was no surprise when it duly arrived in the 20th minute. Tony Coyne fed Jamie Almond on the right and the talented teenager turned his defender before planting a great left foot curler into the net leaving Colne's giant keeper rooted to the spot. It took until the 54th minute for Mossley to open the Colne defence again when Almond again caused havoc on the right wing and outpaced their last line before squaring for Josh Howard top rap home his third goal in three games from ten yards. Colne's 'shoot on sight' tactics finally paid off in the 62nd minute when Ian Simpson slammed home a fine 25 yard drive that gave Melville no chance and brought Colne back to level terms. However Mossley showed their skill and character just three minutes later as Alan Bailey skipped free of a flat back four to round the keeper and score from a tight angle. The last five minutes saw Colne force a series of corners and were joined by their giant keeper but it was Mossley who came closest to scoring when Russ Headley, making his 100th Mossley appearance, curled a free kick inches over.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Tony Coyne (8)
3.  Matty Cross (7)
4. Steve Sheil (8)
5. Paul Taylor (7)
6. Simon Heaton (8*)
7. Gavinlee Ellison (6) Y
8 . Josh Howard (8)
9. Alan Bailey (8)
10. Jamie Almond (8)
11. Russ Headley (8)
Subs:
12. Clive Brown (5) (for Almond (84 minutes)
14. Craig Coote (7) (for Ellison 55 minutes)
15. Mark Phillips (not used)

Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Simon Heaton - worked tremendously hard both in attack and defence!
Verdict: Could have been tricky but this Mossley side has class
- and character!

JOSH WONDER GOAL SEALS VICTORY
Mossley 3 Trafford 0

Trafford, relegated from the UniBond League made absolutely no attempt to make any new friends at Seel Park tonight with a display that made them look anything but promotion prospects. The visitors aggressive stance did them no favours at all and in a Mossley dominated first half they must have conceded at least 20 fouls. That Trafford had only three players yellow carded was much to do with refereeing leniancy. Mossley had already lost Mark Phillips to a warm up injury and Trafford seemed determined to add to the list with challenges on Tony Carroll, Tony Coyne and Matty Taylor that were diabolical to say the least. From a footballing point of view Mossley made the best possible start, winning a penalty within two minutes when the outstanding Josh Howard was brought down in the box. Unfortunately for Mossley, impressive Trafford keeper Nick Ward made a fine diving save to keep out Carroll's firmly struck spot kick. Mossley and Carroll wouldn't be denied though and it was Saturday's four goal hot-shot Tony Carroll who put the Lilywhites in front in the 22nd minute when he latched onto Howard's through ball to finish coolly in the bottom corner despite clearly struggling from a couple of late challenges. Mossley had to wait only six minutes for their second when Howard and Matty Taylor combined superbly to set up Tony Coyne who finished well from 12 yards. After the break with Carroll forced to withdraw and Coyne and Matty Taylor also struggling with knocks Trafford had their best spell but were unable to prize open a Mossley rearguard still stinging from the four conceded on Saturday and it was 'man of the match' Josh Howard who finished the Manchester side off in the 79th minute with a serious 'goal of the season' contender. He raced past several tackles, danced through a couple more inside the box and finished brilliantly in the bottom corner to the delight of everyone who witnessed it.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (7)
2. Matty Taylor (9)
3. Matty Cross (8)
4. Steve Sheil (8)
5. Paul Taylor (8)
6. Tony Coyne (8)
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Josh Howard (10*)
9. Tony Carroll (7)
10. Alan Bailey (8) Y
11. Russ Headley (8)
subs
12. Gavinlee Ellison (7) (for Coyne 58 minutes)
14. Jamie Almond (6) (for Heaton (69 minutes)
15. Nathan Brookes (5) (for Carroll 45 minutes)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Josh Howard - awesome performance - superb goal!
Verdict: Another three points from a game spoiled by Trafford's overly zealous tackling!

MOSSLEY WIN TEN GOAL THRILLER
Mossley 6 Warrington Town 4

It was an amazing game to open the season with at Seel Park today as Mossley edged Warrington Town in a ten goal thriller. The action came thick and fast with Mossley quickly out of the blocks and taking a 10th minute lead when Tony Carroll danced past a couple of tackles to set up Josh Howard who wrong footed the keeper to slot home. Nine minutes later Mossley doubled the advantage with a superbly worked goal that saw Howard, Alan Bailey and Russ Headley involved before the latter crossed for hot-shot Tony Carroll to drive home. Warrington finally gained a foothold when Terry Nestor reduced the arrears with a smart finish on 28 minutes but three minutes later Tony Carroll grabbed his second when he hammered home Matty Cross' left wing centre. Nestor pulled another back for Warrington three minutes before the break with a free header from Chris Bermingham's pinpoint corner kick. Amazingly Warrington fashioned an equaliser in the 52nd minute when Philip Mitchell stole in unmarked from another Bermingham corner. Not to be denied Mossley edged back in front when Tony Carroll completed an opening day hat-trick to make it 4-3 three minutes later as he fired home from 8 yards from Matty Taylor's deep right wing cross. Mossley were denied a certain penalty when the referee inexplicably awarded an indirect free kick when Tony Coyne was blatenty fouled by Ashton and incredibly Warrington still wouldn't lie down and they equalised yet again when Graeme Mitchell headed home unmarked from another pin-point Bermingham corner. Mossley undoubtedly have much character in the side though and they regained the lead yet again in the 68th minute when substitute Jamie Almond set up Alan Bailey who calmly sidestepped a defender before curling a classy debut goal into the corner - 5-4. Tony Carroll then hit the bar with a great shot on the turn, but the on-fire Mossley striker completed the scoring in the 79th minute after great work by Bailey and Howard had set him up.
Team:
1. Phil Melville (6)
2. Matty Taylor (8)
3. Matty Cross (5)
4. Mark Phillips (6)
5. Paul Taylor (6)
6. Tony Coyne (8)
7. Simon Heaton (7)
8. Josh Howard (8)
9. Tony Carroll (10*)
10. Alan Bailey (7)
11. Russ Headley (8)
subs
12. Gavinlee Ellison (7) (for Howard  - 80 minutes)
14. Jamie Almond (7) (for Heaton - 58 minutes)
15. Steve Sheil (7) (for Cross - 72 muinutes)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Tony Carroll - absolutely outstanding finishing of the highest calibre.
Verdict: Six goals for - augers well for the season but four against - needs to be sorted out quickly!

*

Bailey hits five in Charity romp
Mossley 8 All Star XI 2

It was too hot for football but the Manchester United and City old boys gave it their best shot against a Mossley side who strolled through this final warm up game with very little effort but plenty of showboating. New striker Alan Bailey played as though he had a point to prove though and scored a total of five goals with Ciaran Kilheeney, Craig Coote and Nathan Brookes adding the others. Manchester United legend Frank Stapleton and former City and Mossley star Neil Pointon got the biggest cheers of the day when they scored second half goals for the All Stars.
Team: Melville, M.Taylor, Cross, Phillips, P.Taylor, Heaton, Almond, Coyne, Bailey, Kilheeney, Headley. subs. Ndjebayi, Sheil, Welton, Brookes, Coote.

Top form Mossley crush Stockport
Mossley 2 Stockport County 0

Jason Beckford will undoubtedly have enjoyed his first game as Mossley Manager as the Lilywhites gave by far their best pre season display to beat a strong Stockport County side at Seel Park tonight. It was a thoroughly entertaining game that Mossley undoubtedly deserved to win. Debutant keeper Phil Melville made several confident saves in the first half to keep Stockport, and particularly former Oldham and Tranmere striker Stuart Barlow at bay, while at the other end Mossley were a constant threat with Josh Howard at the heart of almost every Mossley raid. It was an outstanding run and through ball by Howard that set up Tony Carroll to open the scoring in the 25th minute as his finish gave County keeper Coppinger no chance. Five minutes later Tony Coyne was harshly adjudged to have fouled Baguley in the box but the same player stroked the resultant penalty wide of Melville's right hand post. Both sides made several second half substitutions but County were unable to prize open a strong Mossley rearguard which included Matty Taylor completely nulifying the threat of highly rated ex Sheffield Wednesday winger Wayne Morrison, while at the other end substitute forwards Nathan Brookes and Ciaran Kilheeney were a constant threat as Mossley raided quickly on the break. The game was wrapped up in the dying moments when Matty Taylor's through ball caught the keeper in two minds as Ciaran Kilheeney beared down on him and the young striker kept his cool as the keeper didn't to walk the ball into an empty net.
Team: Melville, M.Taylor, Cross, Phillips, P.Taylor, Heaton, Almond, Coyne, Carroll, Bailey, Howard. subs. Sheil, Ellison, Kilheeney, Brookes, Coote, Welton.
 

Alty double sinks Mossley
Mossley 0 Altrincham 2

Caretaker Manager Jason Beckford gave two trialists their debuts today and was also able to call on the services of the previously injured Gavinlee Ellison. Former Blackpool midfielder Ellison arrived last season but has struggled with a long term injury. However, he looked a quality signing for 25 minutes before limping off with a slight pull. His replacement was former Stockport County reserve team captain Glyn Hancock. Mossley opened brightly with Kilheeney and Almond prominent but it was Alty who took a 24th minute lead when former Hyde United striker and Mossley trialist Peter Band headed home from close range after Steve Lunt's effort had come back off a post. Ndjebayi was the busier keeper by this stage and he made a couple of smart saves to prevent Alty increasing their lead. Mossley introduced striker Andy Bridge in the second half and a long range effort by him and a good run and shot by Almond was as close as Mossley came after the break and Altrincham sealed the win in the 72nd minute when a mistake by Matty Cross let in Steve Lunt to score  with a simple header.

Team: Ndjebayi, M.Taylor, Cross, Phillips, P.Taylor, Ellison, Almond, Howard, Brookes, Kilheeney, Headley. subs. Dellaway, Carroll, Hancock, Heaton, Sheil, Bridge. 

Mossley go down to full strength Macc
Mossley 0 Macclesfield Town 3

Mossley gave a good account of themselves against a full strength Macclesfield Town side at Seel Park tonight. There was a strange atmosphere following the sudden departure of Ally Pickering and Mossley had Jason Beckford in charge for the first time. Without the unavailable Matty Taylor, Josh Howard and Alan Bailey it was a more experimental side that took the field but  it was Mossley who caused the early problems. Carroll went close with a fine effort from Kilheeney's superb cross and Headley had a good effort saved while at the other end Ndjebayi made a great double save to deny Flitcroft and Little. Macc took the lead on 22 minutes when Jon Miles pounced when Tony Coyne in the unfamiliar role of right back showed hesitancy. Macc began to show their Football League pedigree and Ndjebayi was again alert to another Miles effort. After the break the game flowed from end to end but Macc had the killer instinct and doubled the lead on 64 minutes when Dave Flitcroft thumped home a stunning 25 yard effort past trialist keeper Bellamy.
Mossley went close when Welton set up Tony Carroll who's first time volley drifted inches wide and the hard working Kilheeney was denied on two occasions. The scoring was completed in the 75th minute when Matthew Tipton appeared to foul Sheil before slotting home a goal that was harsh justice on a hard working Mossley side.
Team: Ndjebayi, Coyne, Sheil, Phillips, P.Taylor, Heaton, Headley, Coote, Carroll, Kilheeney, Cross. subs. Dellaway, Patterson, Welton, Brookes, Almond. 

Killa hat-trick thwarts Boro
Mossley 3 Radcliffe Borough 3

Mossley and Radcliffe shared six goals in a highly entertaining pre season friendly at Seel Park this afternoon. Mossley opened shakily but took the lead with their first serious attack on 7 minutes when good work by debutant Jamie Almond and Russ Headley opened a path for Ciaran Kilheeney to rifle home. Radcliffe equalised on 22 minutes when Matty Cross conceded a penalty and Jody Banim left keeper Aziz rooted with a well placed spot kick. Mossley edged in front again  in the 32nd minute as Kilheeney netted his second from 6 yards after Almond had had his shot blocked. The impressive Banim scored a second equaliser for Boro on the stroke of half time when he rounded Aziz to score well from a tight angle. Three minutes after the break Boro edged in front when Simon Carden stole in at the far post to beat Ndjebayi. Mossley deserved their equaliser when it came in the 61st minute as Headley and Matty Taylor combined well to set up Kilheeney for his hat-trick with a well placed shot.
Team: Aziz, M.Taylor, Cross, Phillips, P.Taylor, Coyne, Almond, Coote, Carroll, Kilheeney, Headley. subs. Ndjebayi, Sheil, Brookes, Welton, Patterson, Lewis.

Mossley go down to Lancaster
Mossley 1 Lancaster City 4

Mossley's preparations continued with a visit from UniBond Premier Division side Lancaster City and after an evenly contested 1-1 first half, a strong and experienced Lancaster side dominated the second period and perhaps harshly on Mossley scored three further goals without reply. Paul Taylor had opened the scoring on 11 minutes powerfully heading home Matty Cross’ right wing corner, before Michael Yates equalised on 22 minutes from a seemingly off-side position. Mossley ought to have retaken the lead shortly before the break but Alan Bailey placed his effort wide of the post when one-on-one with the keeper. A Mossley side with several half time changes surrendered too much possession after the break to make any real impact and defensive mistakes proved costly as Tony Sullivan put Lancaster in front on 60 minutes and the scoring was completed by two Farrell Kilbane headers in the 72nd and 78th minutes.
Team: Ndjebayi, M.Taylor, Sheil, Phillips, P.Taylor, Howard, Heaton, Coyne, C.Kilheeney, Bailey, Cross. subs. Aziz, Hazell, Carroll, Brookes, Welton, Lewis, Patterson.

Mossley open friendly campaign in style
Mossley 6 Aigburth PH 0 

Mossley coasted to a comfortable victory over Liverpool Combination side Aigburth at Seel Park today in the first of this season's warm up games. Mossley took only 7 minutes to open the scoring. The livewire Matty Taylor was fouled on the right and Mark Phillips thundered home Simon Heaton's free kick. Taylor was involved in Mossley's second on 13 minutes when he Tony Coyne and Alan Bailey worked well to give Tony Carroll the easiest of chances. Bailey's through ball two minutes later sent Carroll scampering through the middle to score a second. The forth goal came on 28 minutes when Coyne broke on the left and his cross was deflected into the path of Ciaran Kilheeney who made no mistake from 15 yards. After Carroll was denied his hat-trick by the cross-bar Mossley made it five shortly before the break as Matty Taylor's through ball saw Josh Howard score easily. The introduction of several second half trialists stilted the flow somewhat and Mossley added only one more goal after the break when Stefan Lewis crossed from the right and trialist Rowan Hazell slotted home from close range.
Team: Aziz, M.Taylor, Cross, Phillips, P.Taylor, Coyne, Heaton, Howard, Carroll, Bailey, C.Kilheeney. subs. Ndjebayi, Sheil, Brookes, Lewis, Hazell, Fox, Patterson, M.Kilheeney.