Crookes first half nerves were a problem for Lairds and he was lucky to survive on two more occasions when he fumbled manageable shots from Wright and Turley.

The home side's rough house tactics weren't to Mossley's liking especially as the referee (who incidentally had the same accent as the home team, which to this scribe at least says much about his performance) was taking a highly lenient view of some x-rated challenges.

Mossley lost James Turley through a hamstring injury at half time and David Eyres, who was feeling unwell left the field two minutes into the second half. Eyres replacement Joe Shaw soon hobbled off after a crunching tackle in his first involvement which saw Adie Orr replace him and caused Lee Shillito to switch wings.

Turley was replaced by new Australian signing Fraser Robinson and he showed some good touches and a willingness to mix it that augers well for the future.

David Eyres . . . gave Mossley the lead before leaving the field feeling unwell

The second half saw Lairds pressure the Mossley rearguard who appeared to be defending deeper and deeper as the game progressed. Winger Eddie Jebb was giving Rob Edwards a torrid time and he was ably making room for the dangerous Ronnie Morgan.

The equaliser came on 57 minutes when Jebb was allowed the room to set up highly rated midfielder Jamie McGuire to drive home.

Mossley had a terrific chance to regain the lead when Chris Ward wrong footed two defenders but unfortunately cleared the bar with the goal at his mercy.

The game looked set for a replay until the referee's aberration. Lynch's free kick found Collins who in turn set up Ronnie Morgan who danced into the box before rifling home.

Mossley had only four minutes to respond but the Birkenhead club held on to take the £2,000 prize money and take their place in Monday's draw while Mossley were again left to lick their wounds and reflect on what might have been.