Mossley Mania

Season Starts At Last

2008-08-17T18:11:00.006+01:00

Clitheroe 0 Mossley 2

Mossley made a fine start to the season with a convincing win in Lancashire!! LOL!! It was a promising start with the side looking full of pace breaking forward, although many defences will probably not be as static as Clitheroe's.

Michael Fish broke from deep and kept going to knock in the first goal to give the Lilywhites a deserved lead. Mossley capped a fine first half when Fish doubled the lead just before the break.

The second half saw Clitheroe push on more but they never quite seemed to have the cutting edge to break the Mossley rearguard. It was certainly a promising start but let's see what materialises over the next few games.

July Pre Season Friendlies

2008-08-02T21:56:00.009+01:00

Sorry for the lateness of these posts and picture links, but for those that know me I have had a major flood at home and am currently decorating and flooring/carpetting 4 rooms!!

Anyway back to the footy. Things are currently looking rather promising with a squad of players starting to assemble that seem to have a rough idea of tactical nous. It has been nice to see the ball played on the floor and passing between players rather than a big hopeful hoof. Also, the amount of shots on goal are surprisingly enough resulting in a few goals. It sounds simple but goals last season were about as rare as a British summer. Have we had it or are we still waiting?

As is usual for this stage of the season, I am not sure of many names but below are a few images from recent games. For more pictures, visit my Flickr links.

Hopefully this positive start can be maintained once the real stuff starts in a fortnight.

Flickr Album - Mossley v Droylsden

Flickr Album - Mossley v Hyde Utd

Flickr Album - Mossley v Stockport County

At Last

2008-03-10T21:20:00.007Z

Mossley 4 Chorley 2

Mossley finally recorded their first win of 2008 with an excellent performance against Chorley. It featured a midfield (haven't seen one for a while) and an attack (well the midfield attacking anyway) that looked capable of scoring goals. Martin Allison's freekick would be played again and again if it had been in the Premiership. However, thanks to SJNR and the glory of Youtube it is out there. My rather blurred image of the goal isn't a camera fault but it was just that my camera lens couldn't cope with the deluge. That weather was pretty tame compared to what has hit parts of the UK in the last 24 hours.

Fish heads Mossley 1-0 up. Honestly. I know it looks like his head has been replaced by a ball, but the camera never lies!

Collinge tips the ball round the post

Blur-o-vision. Allison's freekick flies into the net.

Flickr Album - Mossley v Chorley - 8 Mar 2008

Wakefield Woes

2008-03-02T11:18:00.007Z

Wakefield 2 Mossley 1

Mossley returned from Yorkshire with the same zero return as the previous Saturday, but with a greatly improved performance. The signing of Adam Morning seem to give an added edge to the performance but in fairness this wasn't the only reason. Whether realising his place could be under threat caused the upsurge in Lee Blackshaw's game or maybe he plays better in March, but he probably had his best game in a Lilywhite shirt. Also, adding Dean Johnson to the midfield gave the centre of the park a more solid appearance. The first 20 minutes saw Mossley playing neat triangles and they were outplaying the hosts, although the only downside was that despite all this possession, not enough chances were created. The deserved goal came just past the half hour when Adam Morning curled a corner straight into the net. The second half was a different story as Wakefield seemed to gain ascendency as Mossley started to tire. They equalized through a neat lob, and a draw would have been a fair result, but football can be extremely cruel when Wes Milnes knocked the ball in at the far post with virtually the last kick of the game. However, plenty of positives can be taken from the performance, with probably the best performance since the FC Utd game in December. If the same spirit and performance can be repeated on Tuesday night against Bridlington, then the first win of 2008 should arrive, but since when does football follow logic?

Martin Allison battles inside the Wakefield penalty area.

Adam Morning crosses the ball.

Mike Fish surges forward.

Lee Blackshaw beats his marker.

Flickr Album - Wakefield v Mossley - 1 March 2008

We'll Wait Till March Then....

2008-02-25T20:52:00.004Z

Bradford Park Avenue 3 Mossley 0

This latest result meant that the Lilywhites still wait for their first win of 2008. The early play was reasonable in comparison to some of the recent games, but when you miss early chances you knew what would happen. Going into the interval with a 1-0 deficit would have been acceptable but a controversial second goal on the stroke of half time killed the game for Mossley. Despite the assistant having his flag raised for offside, the ref ignored this but allowed play to continue and a freekick in the next passage of play made it 2-0 at the interval. Money talks? Maybe, or it was just a rank piece of refereeing. Sadly, the second half saw another capitulation and it could have been more than 3 in the end. Anyway, we still have football to attend on a Saturday and occasional Tuesday, so maybe our fortunes will change on another Yorkshire trip next Saturday.

BPA clear their lines.

Dave Boardman challenges for the ball.

Lee Blackshaw takes on the BPA defence.

Flickr Album - Mossley v Bradford Park Avenue - 23 Feb 2008

One Point Gained ??

2008-02-09T22:11:00.000Z

Mossley 1 Newcastle Blue Star 1

A battling performance against an effective Newcastle side. (if only Kevin Keegan could say that!) The game started with plenty of talk about what the finances of the new chairman could bring to the club. However, as the game started it seemed like the afternoon could be another one to forget. It came as no surprise when Emms scored after only 7 minutes. Sadly it was an all too familiar story as Mossley had cleared the ball twice, but the defence seemed asleep as the ball was slung into the far post. Anyone who witnessed the performance at Chorley would have been surprised to see Daryl Weston and Michael Fish on the bench, and injuries to Aaron Kirk and Richard Conway brought two changes with just over half an hour on the clock. Both players seemed determined to earn a start next time out and Fish ran and chased everything. He levelled the scores early in the second half when neat play by Blackshaw who may have been fouled, resulted in the ball falling to Fish who drove the ball home from the edge of the box. This added a little more momentum to the Lilywhites, with Fish and Weston in particular proving very determined to earn a win. However, mention must be made again to Leon Henry who seems adept at playing a number of positions. Fish almost netted a spectacular winner when trying to lob the keeper from 40 yards. Weston had a chance near the end but shot over the bar. Newcastle must have wondered how they left without the points, but without being too blunt, the profligacy of Novak was the cause, although great work from both Connors (Lee and Ashley) rescued Mossley on more than a few occasions. All in all a point gained rather than two dropped, but as the game progressed and Newcastle missed chance after chance, you began to wonder.

It's all very cosy at the back. Watch those hands carefully!!

It will soon be Valentines Day.

More Leon action

A typically battling Michael Fish

A flying volley from Daryl Weston

Flickr Album - Mossley v Newcastle Blue Star - 9 Feb 2008

Not Very Pretty

2008-01-27T19:16:00.000Z

Skelmersdale Utd 5 Mossley 0

This was really a horror show but in reality it could have been more, as miraculously it was only 1-0 at half time. It showed the lack of depth in the current squad as without Allison, Sheil, Johnson and Garvey we are down to the bare bones. However, that is no excuse for not marking after only 3 minutes when Donnelly was given a totally free header. Sadly things won't improve until Mossley actually have some shots as I don't know many other ways of scoring. The second half just saw the defence capitulate with the exception of Leon Henry who may lack inches in height but he more than makes up for it with his effort. Hopefully we can scrape some points against Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday and build from there, but we need better than was shown in this performance.

Dave Boardman battles for the ball

Paul Quinn tries to shield the ball

Danny Toronczak on the edge of the area

Ashley Connor forces the ball wide

Flickr Album - Mossley v Skelmersdale Utd - 26 Jan 2008

Another Bad Day At The Office

2008-01-06T16:33:00.000Z

Mossley 1 Bamber Bridge 2

More dropped points at home as Mossley succumbed to another defeat. A bright start saw Lee Blackshaw cut inside and slot the ball home to give Mossley an early lead. The motto about games being won by taking chances was certainly evident when Toronczak shot at the keeper when anywhere else would have given Mossley a 2-0 lead. Bamber Bridge then levelled with their next move. As the half ended Mossley were hanging on a little. the second half sadly saw little from the Lilywhites in terms of attacking football. The side seem rather short of concentration and fitness as games enter their finale and it was no surprise when BB netted a late winner.

Paul Quinn battles for the ball

It could have been 2-0

Lee Connor flicks the ball on

Lee Blackshaw crosses

Flickr Album - Mossley v Bamber Bridge - 5 Jan 2008

A Day Out in Bury

2008-01-02T20:31:00.000Z

FC Utd 5 Mossley 2

A game that probably summed up the season in 90 minutes. Inconsistent. Mossley started well but were playing a rather dodgy offside trap which the pacy but naive FC attack were falling for every time. Unfortunately, the liner had a bizarre grasp of the offside rule as FC broke and were clearly offside when the ball was passed through. Mossley fought back and deservedly levelled the score when Blackshaw crossed for Hamlet to tap home.

Mossley conceded a penalty just before the break when another pacy break saw Burns dive as Ashley Connor raced out to cover. At least justice was done when Connor saved the penalty.

If you want to see the ball, go to Six Tamesides!!

The interval arrived with Mossley more than holding their own, but in reality the defence was looking edgy against the pace of the FC Utd attack. However, we must have done something right as Patterson was sent on at the start of the second half. Unfortunately, I'm not sure our defence noticed as he bagged 2 in a minute to leave us chasing the game. A pasting was looking a possibility but Lee Connor pulled one back and for a spell it looked like the Lilywhites could scrape a point from the game. Sadly it wasn't to be as the defence managed to fall asleep again and gave away a couple of late goals to give the scoreline a harsh appearance.

I hate to say it but the best team won, but they weren't 3 goals better. As we enter 2008, the defence certainly needs looking at, but I think we can take positives from the game. We have a capable squad but inconsistencies are proving costly at the moment. We can't concede so many goals regularly or rely on Ashley Connor to bale us out. Bamber Bridge will give our backline another stern test at the weekend.

Flickr Album - FC Utd v Mossley

Christmas Update

2007-12-30T15:32:00.000Z

Mossley 0 Lancaster City 4

Mossley 2 Bridlington Town 1

Haven't posted for a couple of months as have had major camera problems. I finally treated myself just before Christmas (I could always pretend someone loves me enough to treat me!) It's not as big as Smiffy's equipment !! but it is a compact with many of the features of an SLR, so hopefully some better images should appear over the following weeks.

As to the games, the less said about Boxing Day the better. Yesterday was slightly better and at least it was a very welcome 3 points before our visit to Gigg Lane. (We did win last time we played there)

It might help if our players opened their eyes!

More penalty area action.

Lee Blackshaw crosses

There's a ball in there somewhere.

Redfearn sat on his backside.

Lee Blackshaw and Smiffy

Flickr Album - Mossley v Lancaster City - 26 Dec 2007

Flickr Album - Mossley v Bridlington Town - 29 Dec 2007

Thank God I Went To The Live Match

2007-10-14T19:35:00.000+01:00

I could have stopped at home on Saturday afternoon rather than visiting Seel Park. Even the highlights of England's game sent me to sleep. Now if Sky had shown highlights of the 90 mins from Seel Park. If only......

I along with many others left Seel Park on Saturday tea-time feeling absolutely sky high. Credit should be given to Skelmersdale Utd who played a major part in the entertainment. They took an early lead and for the next 20 minutes we witnessed another episode of the Ashley Connor show and to be honest without him the game could have been over.

However, this Mossley don't give in easily and against the run of play Martin Allison equalised. However, this saw the game pattern change and Mossley dominated the remainder of the half and could count themselves extremely unfortunate to enter the break a goal down as Skem nicked a goal just before half time.

Previous Mossley teams would have folded after such a blow just before the break. Actually this team may have done but we had part 2 of the Ashley Connor show. We them witnessed something strange for a Mossley side as a goal was scored from a corner and even more amazing the feat was repeated again as Mossley took a 3-2 lead. The fluidity of the attack was troubling Skem and it came as no surprise when Gareth Hamlett extended the lead. Chances were spurned to extend the lead but Skem pulled a goal back in the 5th minute of added time (2 mins had been given!!) to give the scoreline a more respectable appearance.

This was an outstanding performance full of pace in attack and plenty of passion from both supporters and players alike. I know it's early days and there are weaknesses in the team which Gerry is obviously aware of, but I feel this is turning into a side we can be extremely proud of and can get us back to looking forward to match day and it's a few years since we could say that.

Apologies for the lack of pics but my camera gave in again just before half time. Thankfully the team is performing much better than my batteries!!

The Garden's Looking Rather Rosy

2007-09-30T22:22:00.000+01:00

I've not posted since the Woodley trilogy due to a lack of time and a few camera problems with batteries. The recent performances aren't even recognisable from the start of September.

Martin Allison scores against Rossendale

In fact, never mind a different team, it actually looks like a different game. The last two home games have been outstanding, especially the Newcastle game.

Gareth Hamlett head home against Ossett

Depending on the sources used, there is a considerable weekly sum being spent on Newcastle's wages, including some players who played in the Scottish Cup Final for Gretna last season.

Ouch against Ossett!!

Coupled with some totally inept refereeing, the spirit show by the Lilywhites was remarkable. The only slight negative was the return of the penalty curse. Mossley took an early lead when a poor clearance from the keeper saw the ball land at Paul Quinn's feet but still some 35-40 yards from goal he calmly drove the ball back into the empty net.

Lee Blackshaw

If this had been the Premiership the goal would have been replayed all weekend. Mossley had numerous chances to extend their lead and when the visitors levelled with about 20 minutes left, one wondered if this team may fold, but the spirit shone through and within 2 minutes , Mossley were back in front again.

Kitson Gayle

Flickr Album - Mossley v Newcastle Blue Star - 30 Sept 2007

Don't Panic (for a little while)

2007-09-10T19:51:00.000+01:00

Mossley 0 Woodley Sports 3

On paper this looks a rather worrying result as it could have bee more than 3. Unfortunately, playing Woodley three times in a week has done us no favours and every performance seems to have got worse.

Some people are of the opinion that Woodley will be one of the forerunners in this league but as organised as they were I think we will play 5 or 6 far superior sides to them. However, we are under a new regime and if a performance similar to this had been in evidence last season there would be serious grumbles and with our wage budget last season any complaints after these types of performances was totally justified.

However, we can't be relegated so this is a good season to adjust and with Gerry's experience we should be OK and it will probably help to play sides other than Woodley over the coming weeks. Keep the faith as they say.

Wet Wet Wet

2007-09-03T19:46:00.000+01:00

Woodley Sports 1 Mossley 1

A rather damp affair. Well actually a total and utter soaking. Having had to play the game at Cheadle due to Woodley's plastic pitch wasn't a wise decision as the afternoon saw nothing but heavy rain. One had to feel for the players (as well as holidaymakers arriving by plane at regular intervals above the ground) as it wasn't the weather to try and put up a performance.

The game was pretty poor from both sides with Woodley starting strongly and taking a deserved lead just before the quarter hour mark. It was important that Mossley hung on and didn't concede a second as the prize money on offer was £1000. Mossley netted the killer blow in stoppage time for the first half by equalizing.

The second half saw Mossley dominate but never quite seeming to have the killer instinct to finish the game off. (Too many funeral type references!!) One can only hope for better weather on Tuesday night for the replay and hopefully a better game to watch, especially when bearing in mind that due to the league fixture there will be a trilogy of Mossley and Woodley games.

Flickr Album - Woodley Sports v Mossley (FA Cup) - 2 Sep 2007

Not A Day To Judge

2007-08-20T19:35:00.000+01:00

Garforth Town 2 Mossley 1

Everybody arrived full of promise looking forward to the new season but the game was marred by a broken left leg for Mike Jefferson. Mossley seemed to have started quite well when a lunge on Paul Garvey which should surely have seen a straight red card seemed to alter the pattern of the game. From this point onwards the home side seemed to win every 50/50 decision and many 60/40 and 70/30 ones.

Eventually they took over and it came as no surprise when Garforth took the lead from a rash tackle which resulted in a penalty. The injury to Jefferson just before half time was sickening as the poor player had to stay on the pitch and it took an unbelievable 45 mins for an ambulance to arrive and the hospital was apparently only 6 miles away.

One can only shudder to think what happens if one of the residents of Garforth has a heart attack. Questions possibly also need to be asked about access to the stadium if as SJNR stated there was a fire. This will all need sorting before they arrive in the Premiership. Another point is what on earth was the ref doing while Jefferson lay injured on the pitch.

Surely a ref is responsible for the safety of the players and just as a matter of courtesy he should have made some appearance rather than staying inside until the ambulace disappeared. This isn't sour grapes but surely after a stoppage of almost a hour, the game should have been abandoned. Anyway the farcical situation was that 2 mins of the first half were played and the after a short break the second half was played. Two questions here :

1) Why on earth couldn't the 2 mins have been added onto the second half?

2) Are players allowed to play a full 45 mins after only having a 5 min break?

Anyway, hopefully Jefferson will recover and be back playing later in the season and maybe the season can start properly against Curzon. I won't be there as I'm going away for a few days so Come On The Whites.

Flickr Album - Garforth Town v Mossley

Breath of Fresh Air

2007-07-31T11:28:00.000+01:00

Mossley 3 Thackley 2

It was good to be playing at Seel Park again and after last season's goings on it was great to see Mossley playing at home. It still seems strange to see so many new faces on the pitch although at least one of last year's players played as Joel Pilkington apparently turned up to see Gerry Quinn and was give a starting berth on the wing. It was also refreshing to see the performance on the pitch and Quinn's ideas regarding football seem to be playing attacking football with wingers. This was probably a better game to judge the direction the side will move in rather than trying to judge after the Stalybridge game. Certainly thing seem positive both on and off the pitch and at the moment it's very early days but the season can certainly be looked forward to.

Paul Garvey who had a very industrious game attacks the ball in the penalty area.

A fantastic save from Ashley Connor.

Gareth Hamlet nets his second goal to put Mossley 2-1 up.

Paul Garvey heads home to net the third goal.

Flickr Album - Mossley v Thackley - 28 July 2007

Back in Business

2007-07-25T21:50:00.000+01:00

Stalybridge Celtic 3 Mossley 1

It was a bizarre feeling going to watch the Lilywhites at Bower Fold. It felt like watching a team you didn't actually support as this bunch of strangers turned out in last season's kit. The pre match talk was of about what an acceptable result would be bearing in mind this was the first game together and Stalybridge had already played a a few friendlies and looking at their squad it contained a collection of ex-pros and players well versed in the non league pyramid. Oh and they also had Chris Hall who apparently scored goals for Oldham Athletic last season but has now harboured ideas of being an actor. Judging by last night's performance he could act out the role of a footballer as long as the script didn't include putting the ball in the net.

It came as no shock when Celtic opened the scoring and they had threatened on numerous occasions. When the lead was doubled some of the pre-match worries looked like they might surface but Kitson Gayle had other ideas when he halved the deficit in spectacular fashion. He won the ball and took it past another defender but he seemed to have over-run the ball. However, he won the ball with a strong challenge which left him on the edge of the box and he rifled the ball past the Celtic custodian. This was far too quick for my small digital camera, but for an alternative view, see Smiffy's blog or Mossley@MySpace. A dubious looking penalty was awarded but Ashley Connor made a wonderful save.

The second half saw numerous changes as both sides tried out various players, with Celtic managing to net a third goal. A very positive start to the new regime considering the strength of the opposition and hopefully some slightly less compromising opposition should give us a better picture of what to expect.

End of an Era

2007-04-21T22:14:00.000+01:00

Mossley 0 Ossett Town 2

Kendal Town v Mossley

2007-04-21T22:00:00.000+01:00

Kendal Town 3 Mossley 1

Unlucky defeat

2007-04-06T22:27:00.000+01:00

Mossley 0 Fleetwood Town 1

Mossley were unlucky in this game as they took the game to Fleetwood but couldn't put the ball away with Danny Hurst pulling off some great saves. We also fell victim to our penalty curse missing the fifth penalty (I think) on the trot. If we get another maybe we should give it to SAS or Furnival and ask them to leather it! We can't give up yet but the gap is looking a little worrying with only one home game left.

M&M runs at the Fleetwood defence.

Danny Hurst shows safe hands.

Christian Cooke dominates the midfield.

Hurst saves the penalty.........

but the ball runs loose but no goal was scored.

SAS clears the ball.

Brackenbridge tries to create an opening.

The ball still won't go in!!!!!!

Even putting Smith up front doesn't net a goal.

The Fleetwood back line certainly had their lucky moments.

Mossley v Fleetwood Town : Flickr Album

Welcome 3 points

2007-04-06T22:17:00.000+01:00

Saturday 31st.March

Mossley 3 Grantham 2

A welcome 3 points which despite 5 goals certainly wasn't a thriller. Mossley were cruising to an easy win but the ref decided to even things up by awarding two late dodgy penalties. I suppose we shouldn't have wound him up so much!!

The Turley dance move may take off yet!!

Mossley clear their lines.

M&M shoots wide.

Another successful clearance.

Melford almost heads in at the far post.

M&M chases the ball.

Mossley v Grantham : Flickr Album

FA Vase Semi Final

2007-04-06T22:06:00.000+01:00

Saturday 24th March

Curzon Ashton 1 Truro City 0

Decided to miss Mossley today and go to Curzon as my only visit there since the new ground was on a sponsored walk. Curzon missed a big chance as when Truro went down to 10 men they could have been there for the taking and although this is written with hindsight, a 1-0 lead was never going to be enough to take to Cornwall.

Curzon Ashton v Truro City : Flickr Album

Sunk again

2007-04-06T21:43:00.000+01:00

Saturday 3rd.March

Mossley 1 Marine 3

This must be the longest time ever for uploading photos after a match!!! In facts it's so long ago, I can't even remember what happened apart from dropping more points at home.

Mossley v Marine : Flickr Album

More Dropped Points

2007-02-25T17:53:00.000Z

Mossley 1 North Ferriby Utd 2

NFU clear their lines during the first half.

Nothing happening this time.

Another cross that resulted in nothing.

This would make a good 'Spot the Ball' with a bit of Photoshop.

These pictures make it look as if we dominated the first half! Blame the cameraman.

Melford goes closer.

The kitchen sink approach comes to nothing,

Where's that ball?

Mossley v North Ferriby Utd - Flickr Album