League leaders Ilkeston Town all but stole three points from Seel Park today after Mossley had dominated possession against battle hardened route one former Southern League opposition.
Ilkeston, all arrogance and swagger, set their stall out early on with speedy front man Copnell looking to get in behind the Mossley rearguard on the end of a series of long high balls, but it was former Premiership player Nigel Jemson who made the first impact on the game when he was left in acres of space on the edge of Mossley's box and he tucked the ball beyond the reach of Melville and into the bottom corner. Mossley came more into the game with Dootson and Goodeve battling for everything in midfield, after earlier attempts to play Ilkeston at their own game had 'bore no fruit'. Rory Patterson went very close with Mossley's best chance of the half while Goodeve and Downey tested visitors keeper Turner.
After the interval, with Ilkeston seemingly happy to sit on 1-0, Mossley pressed forward against a massed defence who's apparent only desire was to 'empty it' in the hope that the tireless greyhound Copnell might give chase. Patterson struck a post with a great drive and Turner held on to efforts by Goodeve and Downey. November 'player of the month' Adam Morning curled a great drive against the angle as woodwork and keeper and a few under power shots contrived to keep Mossley's best efforts out.
With Mossley pushing forward in search of the equaliser the inevitable happened on 73 minutes. Although blatently at least ten yards off-side Jemson was allowed a free run on goal and made no mistake after rounding Melville. Despite Mossley's protests, which brought Tony Coyne a yellow card, the goal stood and the visitors had taken a highly fortuitous two goal lead that their 'kick and chase' tactics barely deserved.
Mossley tried in vain to pull a goal back. Downey missed when he looked a likely scorer and Coyne also went close in the closing stages which saw Danny Meadowcroft limp off with a groin injury late in the game!