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Substitute Simon makes the difference

Graham Mather
25/ 2/2004

Mossley 3
Skelmersdale Utd 1

A WIN nine weeks in the making finally came to Jason Beckford's side on Saturday, courtesy of a masterstroke substitution with half an hour to go.

Debutant youngster Leighton Slack had done little wrong, but Simon Heaton's arrival somehow kick-started Mossley's game.

Early on, the match was fairly even but Mossley gave the league's top scorer Stuart Rudd too much room and respect, falling behind when Shaun Dootson gave the ball away and Carl Osman chipped over Phil Melville from just outside the box.

A quick response was needed and, before half-time, Tony Carroll forced Robbie Holcroft to parry his shot wide.

Then, from Adam Morning's resulting right-wing corner, Dave Brown headed in the equaliser.

However, Mossley would have gone behind again but for two fine saves from Melville - his point-blank stop from Dugdale was miraculous as the visitors piled on the pressure.

Enter Heaton and then, for some reason, the Lilywhites looked a different team.

With 20 minutes left, his cross found Carroll whose shot was parried by the goalkeeper.

Carroll chased the rebound though and pulled it back to Leon Mike who drilled it home from 12 yards.

Matty Taylor also went close when one effort smacked the outside of the visitors' woodwork.

Mossley have played better than this recently and dropped points, and did not secure the points until the 89th minute when another Heaton pass found Mike who turned and teed up Carroll for the third.