Mossley earned a draw in a pulsating match against Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday afternoon. Kidsgrove set off by pushing the Lilywhites onto the back foot and a deep cross was headed home at the far post by Matt Rhead with only five minutes on the clock. The task was made much harder just two minutes later when captain DaveBrown headed a cross past Phil Melville to net his second own goal in a week. At this point the Lilywhites were struggling and it came as no surprise just past the quarter hour mark when Kidsgrove added a third as indecision at the back gave Rhead a chance which he converted to leave Mossley with a mountain to climb. Rhodri Giggs had Mossley’s first decent chance but his effort was well blocked. From the resulting corner there was a goalmouth scramble and the ball was cleared off the line, but Chris Downey was on hand to smash the ball home. This gave the Lilywhites some confidence and Matty Taylor was unfortunate not to earn a penalty as he appeared to be clipped as he surged into the area. Minutes later, there was an even stronger appeal as Downey closed in on Stuart Heeps in the Kidsgrove goal and fell to the ground. Mossley were looking threatening whenever they attacked and after another effort was cleared off the line, the ball was returned to Adam Morning who swung in a cross which Matty Taylor headed home. It looked like Mossley had levelled the scores just minutes later when Downey poked the ball home but the flag went up for an offence in the penalty area. Just when it seemed Mossley were gaining some ascendancy in the match, Kidsgrove added a fourth when a near post corner appeared to be flicked home by Dave Brown for another own goal, but it was certainly another defensive lapse which allowed Kidsgrove to net their fourth goal. Mossley pushed forward from the start of the second half with some excellent movement and passing football. In the 51st.minute the lead was reduced further when a delicate flick from Rhodri Giggs beat Heeps. The comeback was complete just past the hour mark when Giggs was put through and he controlled the ball and calmly slotted home. Mossley kept persevering and pushing for a goal that would have capped a remarkable victory. The best opening fell to substitute Rory Patterson who shot narrowly wide after having the ball laid off by Downey. This was a remarkable comeback with comic defending and awesome attacking providing a spectacle for the fans.

match report courtesy of mossleymania