MOSSLEY 2, IRLAM FC 2
Mossley’s never-say-die spirit was found in abundance in their pre-season draw at home to Irlam FC.
Two goals down in the 87th minute, it looked a lost cause for the Lilywhites,
But a quickfire double from a player listed as Trialist G earned the unlikeliest of draws.
The trialist, who has previous experience in the Northern Premier League, has certainly given Mossley manager David Fish plenty of food for thought.
Fish conceded it was a poor performance from his side against opponents from the North West Counties League.
But you had to bear in mind Mossley were without six regulars, either through holidays or injury – Luke Barlow, Will Shepherd, Mason Fawns, Alfie Belcher and Bailey Marsden. Put them into Tuesday’s team and they will make a world of difference.
After a lukewarm opening, in which Mossley had a Reece Webb-Foster goal ruled out for offside, Irlam seized control with two goals in three minutes in the latter stages of the opening period.
John Johnston, who was at NLP club Matlock Town last season, curled home an exquisite shot from outside the box with the outside of his foot.
That was quickly followed by an effort from John Main which squeezed past keeper Finley Madigan.
The match appeared to be petering out towards a comfortable Irlam victory until Mossley’s late fightback.
Trialist C fired over a low cross from the right for Trialist G to fire home a low shot at the near post, a clinical finish.
Irlam were soon punished again when they failed to clear a corner and Trialist G struck again shooting into the roof of the net to leave the Lilywhites ecstatic and Irlam stunned having been denied what looked a certain victory.