Mossley
3-0 Raphoe
Raphoe travelled to Mossley on Saturday for a crucial relegation
decider.
The game began with Mossley taking the game to Raphoe,
dominating possession and territory. Raphoe were failing
to come to grips with bouncy playing surface with their
basic skills deserting them.
Raphoe had the first effort on target, Alan Patterson reverse
stick shot hit the top of the crossbar.
Mossley took the lead through Simon Todd after he entered
the circle and unleashed a reverse stick shot that deflected
off Matthew Lecky’s stick and went into the roof
of the net. Raphoe were visibly shaken by this and let
Mossley dictate the play. They deservedly doubled their
lead after a drag flick found the bottom corner.
The half ended 2-0
Raphoe were determined not to go down without a fight but
despite plenty of effort they just couldn’t penetrate
the Mossley defence. Mossley had their tactics spot on,
throwing high aerial balls into the corners putting the
Raphoe defence under serious pressure.
Mossley added a further goal when Andy Coulter’s
shot found the backboard from the top of the circle. This
was effectively the game over as a contest. Mossley played
the ball into the corners, where Simon Todd kept possession.
The game ended with Raphoe players feeling frustrated that
they weren’t able to put in a better performance
in such an important game.
This is a damaging result for Raphoe as they are now 4
points adrift at the bottom with 4 games remaining.
Raphoe Squad: David Buchanan, Matthew Lecky, Andrew Corry,
Alan Meehan, William Kilpatrick, William Wauchope, Alan
Patterson, Richard Patterson, James Corry, Ian McGonigle,
Lee Stewart, Stuart Stevenson (capt), Richard Tinney,
John Watt.
