Striker ‘Made’ to measure

NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: LEADERS Mossley made it four wins on the spin with a 3-1 home victory over Burscough in Evo-Stik League Division One North.

As expected, prolific forward Sam Madeley was handed a starting role up front alongside Kayde Coppin, while there were also recalls for defenders Chris Brown and Cavell Coo.

The in-form Lilywhites went in front with just three minutes on the clock. Jay Gorton’s powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area rebounded off the crossbar and Madeley poked home from point-blank range.

The visitors worked their way into the contest with some slick movement in the final third of the pitch, and after 10 minutes Will Jones met a deep cross at the far post, volleying past goalkeeper Martin Pearson to restore parity.

Burscough enjoyed plenty of possession without creating many clear cut opportunities, and Madeley was denied by goalkeeper Tim Horn, who saved a decent effort with his legs.

Chris Rowney, Gorton and Coppin all went close before the interval.

Second-half action saw the hosts take control of proceedings and enjoy the lion's share of possession.

Steve Halford’s side were handed a fright when Nial Cummins thought he had given Burscough the lead, only for the referee’s assistant to call his effort offside.

With 65 minutes gone, Mossley regained the lead as Madeley raced clear to put the ball past Horn.

Mossley now looked dangerous on the counter-attack, with Burscough having no option but to throw men forward.

With 11 minutes remaining substitute Gary Glee, who replaced Ashley Young, sent in Coppin and he beat the last man before expertly curling in. Coppin and Gorton both went close to making it a more comprehensive scoreline for the league leaders late on.


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