It's FC United's title but it was Mossley who came out on top in this top of the table clash that was a far more comfortable win than the scoreline suggests.

Mossley, without the suspended Joe Heap and Andy McKernon, made a miserable start to the game when the visitors opened the scoring with little over a minute on the clock. A defensive misunderstanding allowed Jake Haslam a simple finish froim a ball played in from the left by the speedy Jay Walcott.

After such a nervy start Mossley finally sttled into their passing game and Alex Byrne and Ben McNamara started to take control of the midfield with Jordan Cuff, Fabio Abreu and Sam Jones causing the visitors plenty of problems with their pace and movement.

Abreu hit a screamer that FC United keeper Farrimond did well to tip over while Cuff and Jones both had goalbound efforts blocked as Mossley increased the pressure.

Mossley were awarded a penalty on 27 minutes when FC United centre back Matt Tierney brought down Jones. Tierney had already been yellow carded for arguing with the referee and was dismissed for the foul leaving FC United with more than an hour to play with ten men.

Unfortunately for Mossley Farrimond guessed skipper Alex Byrne's spot-kick correctly to make a comfortable save and Mossley failed to score from the follow up, but, with the Mossley pressure continuing an equaliser looked inevitable.

Sam Jones finally poached the levelling goal five minutes before the break when he turned home Cuff's cut-back from the left.

Three minutes later and Mossley were in front. Jones, who has played most of the season for Abbey Hey's first team, was again on target, finishing off after the visitors failed to clear a Mossley corner.

Mossley continued to press in the second half, creating a host of chances. Byrne saw an effort come back off the bar, Cuff, Jones and Abreu all went close. Farrimond made a great save to deny a goalbound Reece McLaughlin effort and Jones will be disappointed not have completed his hat-trick when he mis-hit with the goal at his mercy.

It was however, despite the Mossley win that FC United celebrated winning the title as they were presented with the trophy after the game.

Mossley with three games still to play were assured second place with this result. A truly noble effort in this their first season in youth football.

Report by Wizard