Lilywhites’ play-off bid takes a hit

Reporter: Simon Smedley
Date published: 14 April 2015


NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: 

MOSSLEY’S hopes of reaching the Evo-Stik League Division One North play-offs are hanging by a thread following a damaging 3-1 defeat at Darlington 1883.

The Lilywhites were always set to be up against it in the North-East as they faced a home side still in the hunt for the single automatic promotion place - and who were being roared on by a crowd of well over 1,000.

But the visitors were well and truly rolled over in the first half as Darlo led 3-0 at the interval.

Mike Fish pulled back a goal from the penalty spot on the hour mark, but Darlington held on and remain hot on the heels of leaders Salford City.

Mossley are now six points shy of Spennymoor Town in the final play-off place, though both sides have only three games to play.

The Lilywhites return to action tomorrow night with a crucial home game against Harrogate Railway Athletic (7.45pm kick-off).



CHADDERTON’S North-West Counties League First Division play-off hopes were also hit by a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Irlam.

Isaac Illidge scored the only goal of the game in the first period from the penalty spot. Chaddy have now dropped out of the play-off zone into seventh place ahead of tomorrow’s home clash against Hanley Town (7.45pm).



Meanwhile, OLDHAM BORO took a morale-boosting 1-0 home win against Wigan Robin Park courtesy of Lee Bancroft’s 85th-minute winner at Seel Park. Boro, still bottom of the table, play Daisy Hill at home on Wednesday night.