The Mossley Youth team returned to winning ways on Sunday afternoon with a resounding 4-1 win over main League rivals FC United of Manchester at Seel Park.

The Lilywhites under 18's were in scintillating form, taking the game to their highly rated opponents and bossing them all over the park.

The game started in the worst possible way for Mossley though as a sliced clearance from keeper Nick Howard landed at the feet of United's Jake Haslam who had the simple task of knocking the ball into an empty net with barely  90 seconds on the clock. Credit to Howard though who was totally unaffected by the error and handled and kicked impeccably throughout the remainder of the match.

Mossley leveled in the 18th minute with a fantastic dipping, swerving shot from 25 yards by Joe Heap. Heap was giving his marker a torrid time and was unlucky not to add a second with a 20 yard free kick that United keeper Farrimond was unable to hold.

Heap's and Mossley's second goal came in the 30th minute, the Mossley left winger curling a superb 20 yard free kick around the defensive wall to leave Farrimond stranded as the ball entered the net at the near post.

The third goal arrived seven minutes before the break when Kyle McDonagh's cross from deep was expertly controlled on the edge of the six yard box by Antony Dorney, who then had time to pick his spot as the United defence desperately attempted to close down.

The second half saw the impressive Mossley boys retain possession extremely well despite the visitors vain attempts to get a foothold in the game, with some of the Lilywhites passing and movement a joy to watch.

The game was finally put to bed in the 68th minute when Heap broke down the left and crossed low and firmly for Dorney to rap home his second from close range and see Mossley safely through to the 2nd Round.

There were some excellent performances from the Mossley lads but special mention can be given to Andy McKernon, Ben McNamara, Alex Chesters and Joe Heap who all had outstanding games in what was an excellent team performance.

Report by Wizard