Lilywhites get first win of 2024

Mossley ended a run of six games without a win as they beat Chasetown 2-1 at Seel Park.

Two first-half penalties from Will Shepherd were enough to secure victory despite a second-half strike from Chasetown’s Oli Hayward, keeping the club 15th and quelling their poor run.

Chasetown continued their inconsistent form in the Northern Premier League West as their push for a play-off place took a hit, keeping them in sixth.

Chasetown started the game with intent in the opening 10 minutes, but Mossley limited them to shots from a distance.

Mossley soon got a foothold in the game as the Lilywhites peppered Chasetown’s box with crosses.

And this eventually paid dividends, as a Jack Grundy cross resulted in a panicked moment as Tyler Berry was pulled down by a Chasetown defender.

Shepherd expertly tucked the ball into the goal from the resultant penalty to give Mossley the lead in the 31st minute.

The Lilywhites sniffed blood and had another penalty in the 37th minute, as once again Berry was fouled in the area.

Shepherd kept his cool as he doubled his tally and the lead as David Fish’s side entered the break 2-0 to the good.

Mossley carried their first-half performance into the second, as immediately after the interval they created a number of half chances.

But Chasetown scored against the run of play in the 56th minute as Hayward finished smartly through a crowd of players, halving the deficit to make it 2-1.

However, this goal would not change the momentum, and Mossley almost wrapped up the game in the 80th minute as Alfie Belcher smashed an effort from a distance off the bar.

This was the last action of the game, and with this performance and 2-1 victory ending their poor run, it should provide confidence as the Lilywhite travel to face relegation-threatened Hednesford Town this Saturday.