Lilywhites lose out in Cumbria

NPL West: Workington 2-0 Mossley

Mossley more than held their own against League leaders Workington on a poor surface and very windy Borough Park on Saturday but fell to a goal in each half to the unspectacular but methodically effective title favourites.

The match undoubtedly affected by the strong wind and the poor state of the pitch made for a mostly dour spectacle for the healthy 755 crowd.

Hit by the sudden departure of Antony Brown, injury to Jack Banister and the unavailability of Bailey Marsden, Lilywhites boss David Fish was forced into a couple of emergency signings on Friday with the acquisition of midfielder Andreas Bianga from Ashton United and Macclesfield FC winger Leon Arnatalam.

The hard working Bianga started the game and had a promising debut in a Mossley midfield that worked tirelessly all afternoon as the Lilywhites enjoyed plenty of the ball but failed in the final third despite a few great opportunities to score.

Workington, on the other hand and despite their lofty position, were somewhat stunted in their approach, but, unlike Mossley the home side were clinical in front of goal with what few chances they created.

After Brad Carroll had failed to convert an early Workington chance the Lilywhites were able to keep Workington pinned in their own half with the swirling wind at the Lilywhites backs. Mason Fawns saw two efforts fly narrowly wide but Mossley weren't taking nearly enough advantage of the conditions and Workington forged ahead five minutes before the break. The highly rated Ruben Jerome scoring from close range from Hubbold’s low cross from Mossley’s left wing.

Mossley had a chance in the last minute of the half but Atkinson comfortably saved Ben Richardson’s well struck free kick,. 

With Workington having the elements in their favour for the second half one might have expected the League leaders to take the game to Mossley. However, it was the Lilywhites who took control, keeping the ball on the deck and playing some great football.

However, that all came unstuck in front of goal as Devon Matthews fired wide and Mason Fawns hit straight at the keeper from great positions.

Mossley had a penalty appeal waved away when Bianga appeared to be pulled to the ground while Workington seemed more intent on time wasting than adding to their lead, but, they did just that against the run of play with just over ten minutes remaining. Mossley lost possession in their own half trying to play out from the back and Ceiran Casson took advantage firing home an angled shot from the left corner of the Mossley box.

It was harsh on hard working Mossley but for certain the Cumbrians are top of the League for a reason and their clinical finishing was the only edge they had over the Lilywhites who as always left everything on the pitch and can count themselves unfortunate not to have taken something from the game.