Mossley's Youth team hampered their title chances at a cold and frosty Arriva Stadium on Sunday when they went down by the odd goal in five to a hard working but technically limited Marine side.

Despite not having played since November, Mossley comfortably controlled much of the game but inexplicably fell apart in the final twenty minutes to allow Marine to snatch an unlikely looking victory.

It all started well enough for the Lilywhites youngsters when Saul Henderson headed home Omar McKenzie's left wing corner as early as the fifth minute. Mossley's neat pass and move style was effective at this stage despite Marine closing down space quickly, while the home side looked dependant on long balls and set pieces to effect the game.

It was from a set piece that Marine found an equaliser on 19 minutes when a free kick was fired in towards the near post and home captain Billy Smart got in front of his marker to steer home a powerful header.

Mossley continued to create the better openings though and Henderson, McKenzie and Adam Bezzina all had chances to regain the lead before Bezzina did so on 37 minutes. Right wing back Max Thomas played a smart through ball that saw Bezzina race past the last marker to fire into the far corner for his 12th goal of the season.

As the second half unfolded Mossley looked the likeliest to score the next goal as they continued to dominate possession though scoring chances were at a premium.

Mossley ought to have had a penalty when Henderson broke clear only to be brought tumbling in the box as he prepared to shoot but the refree thought otherwise and play continued.

Mossley boss Rob Byrne made attacking changes in the last twenty minutes with Brian Tottoh and Prince Amadin replacing Henderson and Justin Schall but the move backfired badly with neither player effecting the game in a positive way and Marine forced a previously unlikely equaliser on 75 minutes when Matty Devine lobbed a speculative shot over the head of the stranded Nick Howard.

Marine's winner came with eight minutes remaining when a poor throw by Howard gave Marine possesion and Smart's cross was turned home by Devine from close range to break Mossley's hearts.

Marine kept possession in the corners extremely well to run down the clock and secure a shock win over a Mossley side who had faded badly from the game in the second half.

Report by Wizard