Mossley left to rue missed penalty

BetVictor North West: Mossley 2-2 Widnes

Mossley were made to settle for a share of the points on Tuesday - although it could have been so much better had Ben Halfacre not blasted a penalty over the bar in second-half stoppage time.

The Lilywhites entered the game in high spirits having claimed a 3-1 victory over Pontefract Collieries on Saturday, and they started Tuesday's clash confidently and took the lead inside eight minutes through Ben Richardson. Halfacre set up Richardson just inside the area and he hit an effort into the back of the net.

The hosts doubled their lead on the half hour mark through Halfacre, who capitalised on a good piece of build up play from Ryan Brooke and Adam Morgan to smash low beyond Owen Wheeler in goal.

Mossley went into the half-time break deservedly ahead, but their performance in the second-half raised many questions. Widnes almost pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, but Ben Hodkinson's effort was well saved by Josh Ollerenshaw in goal. The visitors did manage to grab a goal just a few minutes later when Lewis Buckley scored from close range, although their joy was short-lived as Danny Ventre was shown a red card for a nasty challenge on Jes Uchegbalum.

Despite the numerical advantage, Mossley failed to grasp the nettle and allowed 10-man Widnes to drive forward. And the visitors efforts were rewarded in the 85th minute when a corner looked to have been cleared off the line, but the hawk-eyed linesman ruled that the ball did indeed cross the whitewash and the visitors deservedly equalised.

There was to be more drama at Seel Park in the final minute, as Mossley were awarded a penalty when Halfacre was tripped by Wheeler. The former stepped up to take the kick but sent his effort well over the bar.

Attendance: 208