By Ethan Hoijord
Vauxhall Motors secured safety in their penultimate away game of the season, with a 2-1 win at Mossley.
Striker Connor Rankin struck in the 16th minute before midfielder Jordan Wynne doubled his side’s lead on the half hour mark. The hosts struck late through Andy Keogh. However, the Motormen dug deep to ensure their safety in the division.
Striker Kevin Ellison failed to make the matchday squad as Connor Rankin started from the off. Midfielder Jake Kirby was also selected in the starting eleven. However, he was replaced by Jordan Wynne before the whistle blew, having picked up an injury whilst warming up.
There was a slow start to the match at Seel Park as few chances were created. However, The Motormen were playing with pride, knowing what was on stake, as they started the tie on the stronger foot.
Their effort would pay off in the 16th minute as Connor Rankin netted the visitors in front, after receiving a pass from Jay Harvey as the team broke through.
Motors keeper Jack Atkinson made a couple of brilliant saves, including one from a Reece Webb-Foster back heel six yards out from goal, as the game sparked to life.
Midfielder Jordan Wynne doubled his side’s lead, just before the break, with a shot from 30yards out that smashed off the bar before firing over the line.
Similar to the first half, there were limited chances created early on when the whistle blew for the second half.
However, the Motors defence was called into action to block numerous shots which flew into the box from all areas.
At the other end, defender Ben Dufton-Kelly was close to making it three as he fired a free header from a corner just wide, in the 80th minute, but Mossley’s Andy Keogh halved his side’s deficit five minutes later with a nice turn inside the box.
With the pressure on, Danny Holmes’ men dug deep to secure all three points resulting in their stay in the Northern Premier League Division One West next season.
Vauxhall are next in action next Saturday afternoon as they play Newcastle Town whilst Mossley travel to Chasetown.
Vauxhall Motors FC, managed by Danny Holmes: Jack Atkinson, Bobby Beaumont, Adam Hughes, Toby Jone, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Jordan Deer, Ben Holmes, Jake Kirby, George Nugent, Connor Rankin, Jay Harvey (89’). SUBS: Ethan Gouldbourne, Jordan Wynne, Bobbie McDonnell (89’). Lewis Sinnott, Sean Moscrop.
Mossley AFC, managed by David Fish: Finley Madigan, Kingston Fligg (63’), Darren Holden, Ben Darby, Mark Lees, Luke Barlow, Kane Hickman, Jamal Crawford, Justin Iwobi (80’), Reece Webb-Foster (80’), Jack Banister. SUBS: Adam Sherratt, Alfie Belcher (80’), Andy Keogh (80’), Jack Grundy (63’).
Referee: Chris Porter.
Assistant: Abby Dearden, Daniel Curran.