Mossley were confronted by a stubborn and physical Morecambe side at Wright Robinson Sports College on Sunday but thanks to a superb double strike by Joe Heap, the Lilywhites were able to recover from a shock half time deficit.

Mossley opened the brighter and created chances with Dorney and Heap casuing the visitors defence problems. Alex Byrne was twice denied by goal-line clearances in the firtst twenty minutes.

At the other end debutant keeper James Dean (just released by Manchester City) was called on to make a smart save from Alex Salmon.

Morecambe took the lead against the run of play in the 36th minute. Matthew Parker firing home from close range after an effort from the edge of the box had come back off the bar.

Mossley took control of the second half and created chance after chance but an equaliser eluded them until the 64th minute. Joe Heap beat two defenders with a trick and clipped a delicate shot over the stranded Morecambe keeper’s head for a brilliant solo goal. Five minutes later Heap became

Mossley’s match winner when he weaved past defenders before rifling home a great shot from just outside the box.

Mossley created numerous further chances through to the final whistle but in the end had to settle for the one goal advantage.

Report by Wizard