A bizarre score-line in a game that Mossley’s young reserve side dominated for long periods but were sucker punched by runaway Lancashire League leaders Bamber Bridge.

Bamber Bridge arrived with a strong experienced side and one could see why they are unbeaten in the reserve league with the quality of their finishing from the few chances that they actually created.

Mossley gave debuts to three teenagers, goalkeeper Xavier Parasi on work experience from Stockport County and striker Fabio Abreu from Bacup Borough both started, while striker Jamie Mack from FC United of Manchester was on the bench.

First teamer Lee Blackshaw was the only player over 20 in the Mossley side and as usual the Lilywhites played attractive football throughout despite the severity of the score-line.

Following an even opening period which saw Brig’s direct approach to a big powerful strike-force a dangerous proposition, causing some concern for the young Mossley back four. For Mossley, Blackshaw on the left and Jordan Cuff on the right were causing the visitors plenty of problems.

The visitors broke the deadlock on 22 minutes when Andy Naylor turned home a left wing cross.
Mossley’s overall play was excellent with new boy Abreu prominent showing some nifty footwork and good pace.

Blackshaw had twice been unlucky not to score before he equalised in the 38th minute, firing home from the edge of the box after some great work on the right wing by Cuff.

The second half again saw Mossley controlling the ball well and working openings through midfield. Unfortunately the finishing didn’t match the neat approach play and too often the Preston club’s keeper Lee Dovey was able to make easy saves.

At the other end Parasi could only watch as first Stephen Green in the 58th minute and Louis Maueri in the 67th minute both scored with unstoppable shots to put the visitors firmly in charge despite conceding much of the possession even at that stage.

Green then added his second in the 68th minute when the ball cannoned off him from Mike Jones’ attempted clearance.

Green then completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute with a clinical finish to give the score a truly undeserved lopsided look, but the experience will no doubt prove a great learning curve for this young Mossley side.

Report by Wizard

pics by Smiffy