IRLAM FC 1, MOSSLEY 2
Manager David Fish reckons his Mossley side is still three or four players short of being the finished article.
Fish was speaking after the Lilywhites kicked off their pre-season build up with a win at North West Counties League side Irlam FC.
Despite only returning to training one week ago and having had only four sessions, Northern Premier League, first division west side Mossley were surprisingly sharp for so early in their preparations.
Goals from Oumar Camara and summer signing Eden Bailey, a capture from Altrincham, earned Mossley victory against a lively and spirited Irlam side.
Fish said: “Winning is a good habit, but not the most important thing.
“Though we have had only four sessions, we have been big on intensity and the players have worked hard.
“We were conscious about coming back too early and making pre-season too long. We don’t need to do that as players return far fitter than in my playing days.”
Fish is pleased how his six summer signings – five started the game – have settled in while there were three big absentees – the mercurial Jack Bannister, Nicky Clee and Andy Keogh.
The squad had to be revamped following the departure of key players including Mason Fawns, Jordan Butterworth and Freddie Sass.
The main concern has been summer signing Chris Cheetham’s shock decision to retire having not played a game leaving Mossley needing to find another goalkeeper.
Cheetham, (33), was a key signing with a wealth of experience at clubs including Lancaster, Southport, Radcliffe and Atherton Collieries.
Mossley gave 45 minutes each to trialist goalkeepers Finlay Madigan, who has been playing for Heywood Irish in the Huddersfield League and Hyde United’s James Hodges as the search for a replacement begins.
“The keeper is the biggest thing we need, but we also need to add some pace to the side. I still think we are three or four players short,” he said.
Mossley took a 19th minute lead through Camara’s close-range header which was on a plate thanks to a delicious delivery from the dangerous Bailey Marsden.
Camara had another first-half chance set up by Marsden only this time to blaze over.
Irlam equalised soon after the restart through a John Masin penalty after Kane Hickman fouled Drey Taylor. There were no complaints about the decision.
The winning goal came eight minutes from time also from the spot as Mossley substitute Will Shepherd was brought down.
Bailey’s penalty was saved by Max Pover, but the ball rebounded to the same player who made no mistake at the second time of asking.
Mossley had a lucky escape in the last minute when an Irlam trialist had a great chance to earn a draw but hurriedly snatched at the ball and fired over under pressure.