It was a scintilating first half performance that was enough to see Mossley safely through to the next round in the club's first ever game in the FA Youth Cup at the Victoria Stadium.

Northwich were unable to handle Mossley's pace and movement in what was a one sided opening period. The Mossley youngsters creating numerous chances without finding the finishing touch as often as their overall dominace deserved.

With skipper Alex Byrne, debutant Ben McNamara (a recent addition from Rochdale FC), and the again impressive Tom Clarke orchestrating moves from midfield, coupled with the pace and movement of Joe Heap, Antony Dorney and Jordan Cuff, the home side were continually placed on the back foot.

The inevitable opening goal came in controversial circumstances though. In the 17th minute Vics thought they had won a penalty when Kyle McDonagh appeared to bring down Baily-Jones in the box in a rare home attack, but the referee awarded a goalkick, much to Vics frustration. Mossley moved the ball forward quickly and Dorney set up Jordan Cuff to finish well from ten yards.

Three minutes later and Moslsey were two goals to the good and it was that boy Jordan Cuff who again finished off an exciting Mossley attack.

Mossley continued to dominate possession but were thwarted from adding to the lead by some excellent goalkeepeing by Vics number one Thomas Wilson as chances came and went.

Mossley, took their foot off the peddle somewhat in the second half but still created numerous chances. Two efforts were cleared off the line from corners that were driven in hard and low, Cuff was denied his hat-trick when he chipped the keeper only to see the ball cleared offf the line and was denied again later when his thumping shot was beaten away by Wilson. Dorney was also denied by Wilson as he looked a certain scorer.

With the game almost, but not quite killed off Northwich finally managed to put some pressure on the visitors and forced several corners as the game reached it's closing stages. But, despite the late pressure, Mossley held on with reasonable comfort to win through to a home tie against the winners of Lancaster City and Formby in the next round.

Report by Wizard

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