Fish silences his critics

Mossley’s recent resurgence sees them sit 8th in the Northern Premier League West table, just three points outside the play-off spots, a feat that seemed almost impossible just a few months ago. 

In early October, the Lilywhites had just come off the back of a loss to the league’s bottom placed club, Atherton Collieries, and fans were concerned at where the club was heading. 

Since then, the club have lost just one of their last nine league games, and have silenced their fair share of critics in the process. 

Mossley manager David Fish believes that whilst some of the criticism following the loss to Colls was warranted, a small section of fans went overboard with their comments on social media: 

“Most fans who were critical weren’t even at the game,” Fish told the Reporter. 

“They were basing their opinions entirely on the fact that we lost to the bottom side in the division. 

“But I didn’t let it affect me. A saying that I live by is: ‘Don’t take criticism from someone who you wouldn’t go to for advice’, at that really applies here.” 

Their superb run began just three days after the Colls loss with a 3-0 win away to Trafford, who were the league leaders at the time, and since then, they have not looked back. 

"After the loss to Colls, we just tried to simplify things,” Fish told the Reporter. 

“We moved Mark Lees into midfield alongside Michael Brewster which gave us a solid base and allowed our flair players to have more freedom. 

“We didn’t want to overcomplicate things with too many tactical instructions, it was just about giving our attackers the best opportunity to influence the game- when Obs (Obua Mugalula) and Mason (Fawns) are at their best they’re as good as anyone in the league.” 

Fawns, who returned to the club in the summer, has been instrumental in his side’s upturn in form. 

The winger is the club’s top goalscorer this campaign with eight goals, and his impact has not gone unnoticed. 

“Even though he wasn’t scoring much at the start of the season, he was still contributing to the side, but now he’s chipping in with goals too which is fantastic,” Fish told the Reporter. 

“He’s a real leader in the dressing room, and he’s playing with a smile on his face now which is huge for him.” 

As well as the win over Trafford, another landmark moment came in Mossley’s last outing, when they came from behind to defeat Wythenshawe, despite being a man light for over an hour. 

“The Wythenshawe win was massive for us,” the Mossley boss told the Reporter. 

“It was only our second away win of the season, and the character and desire the players showed that day was phenomenal.” 

As mentioned, the win over Wythenshawe lifted the Lilywhites to 7th in the table, just three points behind local rivals Stalybridge Celtic, who occupy the final play-off spot. 

The two will face off on Boxing Day in a mouthwatering clash at Bower Fold. 

While there is no doubt Mossley have the capability to achieve something special this season, manager David Fish says he is taking things one game at a time: 

“We have six games in December, and they’re all quite tough, so I’m not thinking too far ahead. 

“If we can get twelve points from those six, that will set us up nicely- we’ll be handily placed. 

The former goalkeeper has also played down the importance of finishing in a play-off place: 

“Our target this season was to avoid relegation,” Fish told the Reporter. 

“It’d be nice to push for the play-offs but we’re not going to start chasing it by bringing loads of players in. 

“We trust the group that we’ve got, and we should have enough to finish firmly in mid-table, if we can do better then that’s a bonus. 

“It’d be a massive ask if we were to go up, the travel and recruitment costs would soar, and we’re still growing as a club. 

“If it happens, it happens, and we’ll deal with it, but it’s a little too early to plan for it and set it as a target.” 

Now into his fifth season at the club, Fish is the second longest-serving manager in the whole division, and he says the understanding of the board has been key to his longevity: 

“They recognise the need for patience,” the 44-year-old told the Reporter. 

“We’re not a club that can just throw money at it and challenge for the league, it’s about organic growth over a longer period, and they understand that.” 

As well as impressing in the league, Mossley have also enjoyed success in this year's FA Cup campaign, reaching the Second Qualifying Round before bowing out at the hands of National League North side Chorley.   

The highlight of their run was a penalty shootout win away to Premier Division side Whitby Town in the previous round, after the sides were level at 3-3 following 120 minutes of football. 

“It’s a night that will live long in the memory,” boss David Fish told the Reporter. 

“I think it was even more special because of the way that we won it, winning it on penalties after equalising late on in normal time, it was an amazing feeling,” he added. 

Mossley’s achievements this season seem even more remarkable when factoring in the injury issues they have faced. 

Star forward Reece Webb-Foster remains out indefinitely with a groin issue, and midfielder Will Shepherd is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season. 

Speaking on Webb-Foster's injury, Fish told the Reporter: 

“He’s had a scan on a groin problem, but we can’t find out what the route cause is. 

“He’s been doing a lot of rehab but it’s a recurring issue that keeps resurfacing. 

“It’s frustrating for him and frustrating for us. Hopefully we can find out what the issue is, then at least we'll know what we’re working towards. 

“But the fact we’ve been able to do what we’ve done this season without Reece and Will just shows the quality and depth of the squad.” 

To add to this, the Lilywhites have also recently lost talented midfielder Remi Efunnuga, who left for Ashton United earlier this month. 

“Remi has been involved in almost every game for us this season, so he’ll be a big loss. He’s got a superb attitude and great quality, and hopefully he will get enough football at Ashton to continue his development- he's got the ability to go far in the game.” 

This weekend, David Fish’s men travel to 10th placed Bootle, as they look to continue their climb up the Northern Premier League West table. 

“My first thought is who am I going to play up top,” joked Fish. 

“We’ve appealed Eric’s red card, but that’s been rejected, so we’re without him for three games now. 

“It’ll be a tough test, but we’ll make sure we do our homework on them as always, and if we can stay in the game as long as possible and our flair players turn up, we’ve got a real chance.”