Laying down the law

MOSSLEY defeated Maine Road 4-0 at Seel Park last night in the Manchester Premier Cup — but the players still received a rollicking from manager Chris Willcock.

The Lilywhites could have been three down before Matty Kay put them ahead with a deflected shot shortly before the break. It was the midfield man’s 10th goal of an impressive season.

But with a flea in their ear from Willcock at the break, Mossley produced a vastly-improved show in the second period to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches.

Mossley sealed victory with two goals in the opening four minutes of the half. Road right-back Lee McGregor, under pressure, hoofed an attempted clearance into his own net and then Andy Watson powered home a close-range header from Karl Brown’s corner.

Substitutes Lee Blackshaw and Nathan Neequaye linked superbly for the fourth goal after 83 minutes, with Neequaye heading home Blackshaw’s pinpoint centre.

Willcock said:“I was pleased with our response in the second half, but I shouldn’t need to lay down the law. The players should be able to motivate themselves.”

FOUR first-half goals sent Oldham Boro crashing to a first-round exit in the Manchester Premier Cup last night.

Tony Mills’ side were beaten 4-1 at Trafford, who were soon on top thanks to two goals in the opening six minutes from Danny White and Matt Landregan.

Ryan Baldwin pulled a goal back for Town at the mid-way point of the first half.

But further efforts from Scott Metcalf (29) and Scott Baron (35) handed the home side an unassailable lead.