MOSSLEY 0, ASHTON UNITED 1
Former player Osebi Abadaki inflicted the knockout blow as Mossley were beaten at home by neighbours Ashton United in the quarter-final of the Manchester Premier Cup.
The 30-year-old forward, who began his playing days at Blackburn Rovers before later enjoying two spells with Mossley, struck the decisive goal with 10 minutes left to inflict a fifth straight defeat on the Lilywhites in all competitions.
While the result was disappointing, Mossley more than matched opponents one division higher in the football pyramid.
All that was lacking was a cutting edge as the goals have suddenly dried up. They have scored only twice in the last five matches, and both those strikes came from central defender Declan Evans.
Manager David Fish said: “It is tough to lose five in a row, but there was not a lot wrong tonight.
“It was a positive reaction to Saturday’s home defeat to City of Liverpool in our work rate, organisation and chances created.
“We showed character and there were a lot of positives to take from the game.
“Again it was fine margins and maybe we lacked composure at key moments in front of goal.”
In an opening half of few chances, Mossley’s Mason Fawns struck the crossbar with a free kick from 30 yards, a terrific strike.
Ashton had a couple of great openings as the unmarked Will Hall contrived to head wide from six yards with the goal gaping.
Former Manchester United junior Tom Bentham was denied by a brilliant reflex save from Mossley goalkeeper Jordan Hadlow.
Mossley, playing down the slope in the second half, dominated for lengthy spells.
Paul Riley, Levi Phillips and Fawns twice all fired wide or over as they lacked composure in front of goal.
Mossley also claimed Ashton goalkeeper Greg Hartley handled outside the penalty area when he raced out to block Harry Pratt who was clean through on goal.
The winning goal in the 80th minute came when substitute Florian Yonsian cut the ball back from the left and Abadaki found the net with a low drive inside the near post. It was Ashton’s only chance of the half.
Mossley kept battling and captain Andy Keogh and Jack Bannister both had great chances in the last five minutes to equalise and force a penalty shootout.