Despite playing without a recognised goalkeeper Mossley still had to much for an understrength Altrincham side in Sunday's encounter at Wythenshawe Town's Timpson Road ground. Antony Dorney was the man between the sticks for Mossley as regular keepers Nick Howard and James Dean were both unfit.

As it happened, barring a tip over save early in the game Dorney was mostly untroubled as Mossley dominated the game throughout.

The Lilywhites lost defender Alex Clarke with a serious looking ankle injury in only the fourth minute when he landed badly following a Mossley corner. New signing Miko Lewis came on as his replacement and had a solid debut alongside the again outstanding Alex Chesters.

The Lilywhites took the lead in the 7th minute when Joe Heap whipped in a low cross from the left that Alex Byrne hammered home from ten yards.

Alty keeper Adam Reid was kept busy throughout the half as Mossley created several chances with Heap and Jordan Cuff both going close to extending their lead.

Wes Harney, who had struggled to get into the game in the first half then became Mossley's hero with a well taken second half hat-trick. After first being denied by Reid when he broke clear Harney got his first goal in the 60th minute when Cuff broke clear on the left and cut the ball back to give Harney a simple tap in.

Harney looped home a header for his second two minutes later after more Mossley pressure and completed his treble in the 84th minute tapping home Heap's right wing cross.

The two sides meet again next Sunday at Seel Park in the semi final of the NWYA Open Cup.

Report by Wizard

Alex Byrne gives Mossley the lead

pic courtesy of John Laidler www.altrinchamfc.co.uk