Mossley maintain their stranglehold on Manchester Premier Cup

Photo: Anthony Miller

Glory boys.. Mossley players and officials celebrate their Manchester Premier Cup triumph

MOSSLEY'S amazing love affair with the Manchester Premier Cup continued last night as they won the famous old County FA trophy for the fourth time in five years.

Taking on Stalybridge Celtic - a team from two tiers above them in the football pyramid – the Lilywhites deservedly soared to a convincing 3-1 win at Hyde United's Ewen Fields stadium, retaining the trophy they previously won in 2012, 2013 and 2015.

Delighted Mossley joint-manager Peter Band said: "Myself and Lloyd (fellow joint-boss Morrison) are so proud of the lads, but we have been ever since we've been at the club.

SPIRIT

"There has always been a terrific spirit in the camp and that gets us through most games.

"You would never have known there was two divisions between the teams, but all our lads worked their socks off and these are the rewards you get.

"We have down well in this competition. Hopefully, it's like the World Cup and we'll get to keep it if we win it again next year!"

Mossley – as they did in last year's final – got off to a flying start, with Mike Fish slotting home the first of his two goals after only three minutes.

Alan Farrell levelled it up for Celtic after 18 minutes, only for Kyle McGonigle to restore Mossley's lead from the penalty spot after Jack Higgins handled in the box.

The Celtic defender was shown a straight red card with an hour left to play.

After man of the match Tom Pratt had struck the crossbar, Mossley wrapped up a comfortable win when Fish rifled into the top corner.

The Lilywhites therefore ended their 2015-16 campaign on a massive high after finishing in 13th place in Evo-Stik League Division One North.