Mossley's Youth team collected their second trophy of a successful debut season at Ashton Athletic FC on Sunday when defeating Curzon Ashton to lift the North West Youth Alliance Open Trophy.

Despite the loss through suspension of Joe Heap and Andy McKernon and with Sam Jones, Reece McLaughlin and Sam Rathbone unavailable, Mossley completely dominated the opening half taking the lead in just the third minute. Fabio Abreu broke down the right and crossed for Tom Clarke to head home from close range.

Mossley created several chances before finally doubling the lead on 29 minutes. Alex Byrne's deep cross from the right was met by Tom Clarke who scored his second of the game with a looping header that vgave Curzon keeper Matt Green no chance.

The Lilywhites were unlucky not to bag a third before the break when the ever elusive Abreu burst through only to see his powerful drive ricochet off the bar.

Mossley continued to dominate the game into the second period and made it 3-0 on the hour. Tom Clarke and Jordan Cuff worked a short corner on the left and Cuff crossed low for Fabio Abreu to turn home from close range.

It looked to be game over at that stage with Curzon offering little as an attacking force and looking vulnerable to Mossley's speedy attacks. Wing back Sam Rathbone was ruled off-side when he played a neat one-two with Abreu to slot home.

However, Curzon were given a lifeline in the 73rd minute when Miko Lewis brought down Jordan Wright and Jordan Thompson slotted home the spot kick.

The goal breathed new life into Curzon and an understandably tiring Mossley side came under pressure for the first time in the game.

Lewis redeemed himself with a great covering block to deny former Mossley trialist Raul Corrie and Nick Howard made a fine save to deny Wright as resurgent Curzon applied the pressure.

Curzon scored their second goal with just two minutes remaining when Jordan Thompson fired home through a crowded box but it proved no more than consolation as Mossley played out the remaining moments without further consternation to see captain Alex Byrne lift the trophy at the end of an absorbing cup final.

Report by Wizard

above pics by Mark Chesters

Skipper Alex Byrne lifts the NWYA Open Cup

Back row: Kerry Goodall (injured physio) Jenny Makin (physio), Miko Lewis, Nat Martin, Alex Chesters, Nick Howard, Andy McKernon, Jordan Cuff, Kyle McDonagh.
Front Row: Sam Rathbone, Wes Harney, Alex Byrne, Ben McNamara, Tom Clarke.
click on pic for full size image

Goalscorers Fabio Abreu and Tom Clarke with skipper Alex Byrne holding the trophy.