The early stages saw the Blues have the better chances with Louis Mayers, Scott Bakkor and Dean having good opportunities. Mossley’s best chance early on was on 12 minutes when Sam Robinson’s hit the top of the crossbar.

On 24 minutes a great piece of skill from Bakkor saw him turn a defender and cross for Scott Harries, whose scissor kick just went over.

Brady’s 1st yellow card was on 25 minutes when he went in for a 50/50 tackle with a Mossley player. Referee Rhodes deemed his studs were showing, much to the disbelief of the Blues fans close to the incident.

A blow for the Blues on 29 minutes when Lloyd Dean suffered a knock and had to be replaced by Michael Hampson.
Mossley took the lead on 32 minutes when after a corner wasn’t cleared, an unmarked Sam Robinson fired home convincingly from ten yards out.

Shortly afterwards, the Blues almost levelled the scores. Ross Dent’s header across the box found Mayers, who got a touch to the ball but it was cleared off the line by a Mossley defender.

Half time 0-1.

Just two minutes in to the second half saw the key moment of the game. What looked an innocuous challenge by Brady, was deemed worthy of a second yellow card and the Blues were down to ten men.

On 53 minutes, Simon Garner replaced the unlucky Hampson and filled in to the vacant left back position.

The Blues best chance in the second half fell to Dent, who shot over on 64 minutes. Jack Lynch replaced Dent a couple of minutes later.

The home team seemed content with their 1-0 lead and offered precious little until the last 10 minutes of the game, once the Blues changed tactics and went three at the back.

Mossley’s second goal came on 85 minutes. Callum Jakovlevs couldn’t keep hold of his initial save and the ball ended up at Rhys Nevins feet to tap the ball into an empty net. Callum received a bruised leg for his pains and required treatment as well as some unsporting barracking from some of the home supporters.

Three minutes later from a corner, Sam Robinson was allowed a free header to make it 3-0 to finish the game off and give the score line a somewhat flattering look.

Clitheroe: Callum Jakovlevs, James Heywood, Danny Brady, Roberto Bonaminio, Gregg Anderson, Ross Dent (Jack Lynch 66), Scott Harries, David Lynch, Louis Mayers, Lloyd Dean (Michael Hampson 29, Simon Garner 53), Scott Bakkor. Subs not used; Tom Murphy, Jonny Hession.
Mossley: Will Jones, Caldon Henson, Lee Wilshaw (Josh Greenhalgh 7), Jack Pritchard, Tom Dean, John Bennett, Andy Keogh, Sam Robinson, Luke Horrocks (Rory Breslin 46), Tom Pratt, Mitchell Bryant (Rhys Nevins 82). Subs not used; Sam Howell, Dave Short.

Attendance 174
Referee: J.Rhodes