The first half saw Appleton making most of the chances playing down the famous Mossley slope. Pemberton should have opened the scoring in the first five but failed to hit the target. A fine move after fifteen minutes saw Sugden cross from the right to find Owen on hand at the far post who found the net with a clinical header in the top corner. Ten minutes later Appleton increased their lead when Gee found the net from the spot after Dow was hauled down in the box. But Mossley would not lie down and reduced the deficit after a fine solo run from No11 who cut through four Appleton defenders and tucked the ball in from six yards for what was clearly the goal of the day. Appleton restored their advantage after forty minutes following a well driven corner from Gee which was met by Owen for his second of the game. Appleton should have increased their lead on two occasions before the break but let chances slip, apparently due to the ‘Mossley bobble’.

Half time saw Mossley gain the upper hand with aid of the Mossley slope. They peppered the Appleton goal but were kept at bay by some fine saves from Keeper Marsh. Pemberton and Hunt were tenacious in mid field and continued to breakdown the Mossley attacks.

On sixty five minutes Mossley thought they had clawed their way back into the game when they were awarded a penalty after Schofield was adjudged to have fouled in the box. But Marsh found a strong right hand to parry the ball over the bar. The final fifteen minutes saw Mossley throw a three pronged attack at the Appleton defence. But despite their aerial and numbered advantage, with Simpson at the helm ably assisted by Schofield, Heap and Hayes, Appleton braved the torrent to come away with the points.

Best for Appleton-Owen

Best for Mossley-No 11