GOLCAR 0, MOSSLEY 1
Mossley were rewarded for their perseverance as they scored a last-gasp winner in their opening pre-season match at Golcar.
Former Oldham Athletic professional Mason Fawns hit the only goal of the game in the 90th minute as it looked like ending scoreless.
Louie Potts’ initial effort was blocked and rebounded to overlapping right back Joe Rothwell whose low cross found Fawns at the far post to rifle home an unstoppable shot.
It was an encouraging start for Mossley who were without five players who were on holiday and likely to be starters when the league campaign kicks off – Kane Hickman, Andy Keogh, Nicky Clee, Bailey Marsden and Freddie Sass.
Manager David Fish was satisfied given the players absent and the fact this was their first friendly whereas for Golcar it was their third match.
He also pointed to Mossley having two players aged 17 and three aged 18 on the pitch at the end when they scored their winner.
“When you look at the age of the team we finished with, we showed a lot of spirit, desire and endeavour,” he said.
The opening half was one of only a handful of chances as trialist Oumar Camara, who had worked with Fish previously at Curzon Ashton and Chadderton, and Potts had chances for Mossley while Lilywhites’ keeper Dale Latham denied Golcar’s Danny Nidolie with his legs.
The second period was more open as Golcar almost opened the scoring soon after the restart following a weak headed back pass from trialist centre back Josh Dickin, brother of Mossley AFC Women’s goalkeeper Megan.
Lively striker Malakai Phillip, 19, the former Huddersfield Town player and current Barnsley U23 prospect, raced through only to see his shot blocked by trialist goalkeeper Lewis Haley who was in FC Halifax Town’s academy last season.
Mossley carved out clear-cut chances but Fawns, Jack Grundy, Camara twice and Potts failed to break the deadlock.
Near the end Phillip had a great chance to score for Golcar, but Haley again saved well.
But it was Fawns who struck the decisive blow as the game was about to enter stoppage time.