MOSSLEY 3, STOCKPORT GEORGIANS 0
Summer signing Keaton Mulvey is off the mark after scoring his first two goals for Mossley in a hurriedly arranged pre-season friendly at home to Stockport Georgians.
The Hattersley-based Mulvey, who was once on the books of Rochdale and last season starred at Glossop North End, caught the eye as the Lilywhites bagged their third win from four warm-up games.
And there was also a goal from trialist striker Deco, a former Rochdale EDS player, as Mossley were far too strong the North West Counties League, first division south Georgians who are two divisions below them in the pyramid.
It was another good workout for David Fish’s side and his only criticism was that his side did not win by a wider margin as they would have done had they been more clinical in front of goal.
Fish was pleased how the loss of Mason Fawns, last season’s top scorer, to Bootle does not appear to have impacted the team.
“That’s four players who have now each scored twice in pre-season which is good,” explained Fish who pointed to his players building good habits.
However, they will be tested far more in their final three friendly which are against tougher opposition, National League North side Southport, Midlanders Coleshill Town and Hyde United.
This was a friendly arranged at 24 hours’ notice after original opponents Wigan Athletic U21s and New Mills both pulled out.
Georgians were also seeking a final workout as their season kicks off next Saturday.
Mossley made a great start as Mulvey opened the scoring in the fifth minute.
Kane Hickman played a delightful through ball to send Mulvey sprinting clear as he rounded visiting goalkeeper James Hodges to slot home from a tight angle.
Georgians’ George Blackwell bent a shot narrowly over, their best effort of the match as Mossley’s trialist goalkeeper did not have a shot to save in anger.
Mossley doubled their advantage six minutes before the break when striker Oumar Camara was brought down by Sam Corbishley.
Camara initially took the ball before it was handed to Mulvey who sent Hodges the wrong way from 12 yards.
Mossley ought to have added further goals in the second period as Eden Bailey headed against the bar, Deco pulled a shot narrowly wide and Mark Lees’ header drifted past the upright.
Deco rounded off the scoring with five minutes left from a quickly taken free kick as he slalomed through the visiting defence and rounded Hodges to score.