In a game dominated by a gale force wind blowing down the ground, Clitheroe could not capitalise on their enforced two week break and looked off the pace for most of the game.

Chances were limited in an ultimately disappointing game, although Craig Stanley was first to show on 5 minutes, as his header from a deep free kick forced the Mossley keeper to scramble the ball round the post. However, it was Mossley who took the lead on 16 minutes despite kicking into the gale, as Brookes sprang the offside trap and Chris Thompson was left stranded as he was rounded well out of his goal, before a smart finish. On 28 minutes, Clitheroe almost made the most of a training ground routine as Burnley youngster Jayden Major drove the ball over after a free kick was laid off to him, and as the half ticked down, Craig Carney turned on the edge of the box, but his shot went over the bar.

Mossley started the second half making more use of the wind. On 54 minutes, a fierce shot whistled across the face of Thompson’s goal, whilst on 70 minutes, Thompson was forced to back pedal and tip a looping cross over the bar. The introduction of Terry Cummings on 75 minutes sparked the home team into life and a number of home chances were created. Firstly, Jacob Gregory hared down the left and carried the ball into the box before failing to convert his chance. Then, on 81 minutes, Cummings used his strength to hold off defenders as he moved on goal and confidently put the ball beyond the keeper. As the home fans sensed an unlikely victory, it was Mossley who went up a gear. On 86 minutes, a burst down the left to the bye line, saw the driven cross headed home with power from point blank range. To put a slightly undeserved gloss on the victory, Mossley Substitute Uchegbulam then tormented the Clitheroe back line before laying the ball across for Brooke to get his second.

Manager Phil Brown will be desperate to shake the memory of this performance and has two very tough away games in five days to get the reaction he seeks.

Team : Chris Thompson, Jacob Gregory, Oliver Muir, Craig Stanley, Sam Barnes, Charlie Russell (c), Jack Baxter, Oscar O'Neil (Danny Gray), Jayden Major (Terry Cummins), Craig Carney, Conor Gaul. Subs - Terry Cummins, Danny Gray. Not used - Markell Foulds, Hyuga Tanner.