TRAFFORD 0, MOSSLEY 3
Manager David Fish cited getting back to basics as the key to struggling Mossley’s first away win of the season.
The Lilywhites triumphed at third-placed Trafford to climb out of the relegation places in Pitching In Northern Premier League, West.
“Maybe we have complicated things, and we needed to get back to basics – working hard and getting into shape and enjoying our football,” he said.
“Everyone played well as did all our substitutes. We just need to be consistent.”
This was only Mossley’s third victory in 10 league games and they have all been against top sides – Clitheroe, Hednesford and Trafford.
“We seem to turn up against the big teams, but this is the level of performance we need in every game,” Fish continued.
There was no denying the magnitude of this victory in the wake of recent disappointing results.
And it was achieved without four key players who were ruled out through injury.
Mossley took an early lead through Joseph Berks and sealed victory in the second period with a penalty from Mason Fawns and fine solo effort from Obua Mugalula.
Less than seven minutes had been played when the Lilywhites made the breakthrough.
Right-back Jack Marrow burst forward and cut the ball back to Eric Yahaya who laid off the ball to Berks, who recently played on dual forms at Glossop North End on his return from injury, to find the net with an emphatic finish.
Trafford were denied an equaliser by a fine stop by Finley Madigan to turn away a goalbound effort from Damola Sotona.
Mossley were a continual threat on the break, especially down the left through the pace of Mugalula who perhaps ought to have capitalised more given the acreage of the Shawe View pitch he was afforded.
The second goal came almost immediately from the restart when Trafford were caught cold as Yahaya broke clear to be brought down by keeper Ollie Culkin who was sent the wrong way from 12 yards by Fawns.
Michael Brewster then had an effort cleared off the lie before a third goal arrived mid-half as Mugalula, who was once in the academy at West Ham and EDS set-up at Bolton Wanderers, was rewarded for his efforts.
Mugalula was released down the left and cut inside before firing low past Culkin.
Trafford rarely threatened as Mossley defended from the front with a high press which never allowed the home side to get into the game. It was both effective and well executed.
It was a collective effort and showed the potential of this Mossley team which needs to produce this level of performance far more consistently than it has been doing.