Mossley spot-on for Premier glory

Mossley FC win the Manchester Premier Cup. L-r, Jason Gorton, Dave Young, Steve Halford.

MOSSLEY retained the Manchester County FA Premier Cup in the most dramatic of fashions last night.

Taking on fellow Evo-Stik League Division One North outfit Salford City at Stockport County’s Edgeley Park ground, Steve Halford’s men looked to be cruising to victory with a 2-0 lead and just 15 minutes to go.

However, Andy Heald’s City hit back to level late on, taking the final straight to a penalty shoot-out on a bitterly cold evening.

Lilywhites’ goalkeeper Russell Saunders was then the hero as he saved two spot-kicks, leaving efforts from Gary Gee, Danny Broadbent, Ryan Hopper and Ashley Young to nail the cup glory 4-2.

Relieved Mossley player-boss Steve Halford, who came on as a second-half substitute, said: “Initially I thought their shape didn't really suit us, but we dealt with that and when we made it 2-0 just after half-time I thought it was game over.

“Their substitutions really changed the game, and Salford gave it a go, but it ends up going to penalties.

In front of a crowd in excess of 500, the Lilywhites took the lead from the penalty spot after 26 minutes.

Sam Hind was dragged back in the box and Gee comfortably beat goalkeeper Ritchie Branagan from 12 yards.

Ten minutes after the break the lead was doubled when Kayde Coppin’s cross wasn’t cleared and Sam Madeley slotted home at the far post.

City hadn’t given up hope, however, and a 75th-minute strike from Brad Robinson gave them a lifeline.

When Danny White made it 2-2 with eight minutes left Mossley looked vulnerable, but skipper Jason Gorton steadied the back line and his side hung on to secure the shoot-out.

Mossley are back in league action on Saturday when they host Radcliffe Borough.
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