Holders Mossley crashed out of the Manchester FA Youth Cup at St Brides on Sunday with a hugely disappointing heavy defeat by FC United of Manchester.

The Lilywhites youngsters were without influential midfielder Jake Hibbs, missing through suspension, and the unavailable target man Saul Henderson. On this occasion they were badly missed as Mossley allowed themselves to be bullied all over the park by an FC United side who showed more desire and spirit throughout.

St Brides playing surcae is extremely poor which made it impossible for Mossley to play their usual passing game. In contrast FC United's tactics were perfect for the conditions but they were also aided by being gifted an early two goal cushion.

Mossley were the first to threaten, creating an early half chance for Bezzina. However, when the home side won their first corner in the 5th minute, an error by Mossley keeper Curtis Hickman gifted them the lead as he palmed Poyzer's corner kick into his own net.

The goal gave the homesters confidence and they pressed and harrassed all over the pitch, not allowing Mossley any time on the ball as they consistently picked up the second ball. It was however, another error that led to United's second goal on 13 minutes. Hickman took a free kick out towards the corner flag only to watch in horror as his clearance dropped at the feet of United's Matthew Bolland who calmly stroked the ball back into an unguarded net.

The home side were now fully in control of the game but Mossley nearly pulled a goal back when Ross Hildersley saw his thunderbolt 25 yarder cannon back off the woodwork.

FC United put the game beyond Mossley's realistic reach when they added a third on 39 minutes. Theo Kidd firing home through a crowded box after Mossley had failed to clear a corner.

A more even second half saw Mossley get more time on the ball but the Lilywhites youngsters were wasteful in possession. Hildersley again coming closest when his rasping drive just cleared the bar. But it was to be FC United who would score the last goal of the game when they added a fourth on 80 minutes. Sam Howell heading home Hassal's right wing cross.

Unable to match FC United's commitment to the cause, this was a very poor display by this Mossley side who had too many players "go missing" in what was an important match for them.

Mossley have a chance for some footballing redemption next Sunday as they face FC United again. This time at Seel Park in the Quarter Final of the NWYA Premier Division Cup but they will need to make a much better fist than this in order to progress to the semis.

Report by Wizard