A young Mossley Reserve more than held their own against a physical Irlam Town side at Silver Street on Tuesday night. The young Lilywhites gave their more senior opponents a first half lesson in passing and ball retention whilst maintaining their composure on the against at times cynical tactics.

With Ben McNamara and Andy McKernon pulling the strings in midfield, Irlam struggled to cope with Mossleys movement and pace and on 28 mins Mossleys hard work was rewarded when Jay Walcott rounded the keeper to score following good work from Jordon Cuff.

Irlam then levelled against the run of play 8 minutes later when they were awarded a free kick 10 yards into the Mossley half, and with the Lilywhites still disputing the referees decision, a quickly taken free kick was floated over the top of the Mossley defence and was neatly dispatched by the home teams centre forward.

With several changes taking place at half time, Mossley began the second half on the back foot, inviting their opponents onto them and for the first 15 mins of the half Irlam enjoyed their best spell of the game without threatening the Mossley goal.

On the hour mark the Lilywhites began to regain their shape and movement and went close on several occasion's through Nat Martin, Adam Bezzina, and Joe Heap. On 68 minutes Martin, dispossessed the home teams centre back and hit a rasping shot from 20 yards which cannoned back of the cross bar with the keeper well beaten.

Mossley continued to press and on 79 mins McNamara picked the ball up in midfield and from fully 35 yards, hit an unstoppable shot that again rebounded back of the cross bar with the keeper routed to the spot and the Lilywhites continued to create chances but were unable to find a winner.

Report by Rob Byrne