Progression pre-season does not tell half the story for this game. Mossley stole our hearts in the final of the cup last season by beating us in a penalty shoot-out. Having overheard the Mossley manager at a meeting saying that he had no competition in the league this time around he had done my team talk for me. We witnessed an outstanding performance from the Mossley goal keeper which should tell how good we have become. The passing, movement and switch of play was breath taking. After a good training session on Tuesday the lads fully understood what was expected in the new positions and the play was outstanding.

Dalton moving forward from deep would have been man of match on any other day. Bailey was exceptional in his role as captain. Billy had the most difficult position last week which we had worked on in Tuesday’s training and to the lad’s credit it worked like a dream this week. The holding role controlled the game and Aaron replaced him in the position on a couple of occasions and carried on with a cool first match finish to open his Heyside account. Billy hit the post in the second half; the goal would have been the perfect reward. Our midfield was masterful with Taylor and Ben controlling the right and left linking and switching runs leaving the Mossley defence in disarray. This week it was Taylor that scored the goals along with two from Robbie.

At first it was as though Taylor would have another unlucky day with the goal keeper on fire. Once he touched in from the line to nick Ben’s glory there was no stopping him. Like I explained to Ben if Taylor had left it I would have been fuming (Gary Lineker eat your heart out). I knew that this would open the floodgates and it did, Taylor got a well deserved third in the second half and Robbie was unlucky not to join him winning at hat-trick ball. Man of the match Robbie had his best performance in Heyside colours to continue his impressive run, Robbie and Billy have definitely flourished now that I can keep them in the team without having to rotate to accommodate other players. Finally Kieron and Luke did what was needed when they had to get be involved and I am sure they will be called upon more in the next match.

MOM: Robbie McBride finally getting rewards for his patience (Special mention to both Dalton and Taylor who both could have easily won the award.)