But Fylde boss Mick Fuller was far from despondent at dropping two more home points saying: "I thought we played most of the football.

"We were a lot better than we were at Harrogate on Saturday and a lot better than we were at home to Radcliffe on opening day."

Indeed they were and Fylde could have nicked all three points in the final minute as both FA Vase hero Matt Walwyn and last season's top scorer Richie Allen went close to winning the game.

Walwyn, brought on midway through the second half, slipped into gear from a delightful through ball by Steve Palmer to beat two defenders before unleashing a ferocious shot a minute from time, only for Mossley keeper Pete Collinge to save with his leg.

Then in added time, Allen got on the end of a Joe Booth corner to head narrowly over the bar when it looked easier to score.

It was goalless but it was a lively contest. Although Mossley lacked a killer instinct up front they too could have claimed all three points when striker Nathan McDonald powered a shot wide of Pete Summerfield's goal on the hour. But it was their only real chance of the game, although winger Sam Walker did cause Fylde's defence problems throughout.

Fuller added: "Mattie had a great chance to win it for us but their keeper somehow saved it and l think Richie took his eye off the ball when he headed over.

"I thought we competed very well – it's certainly a lot tougher at this level but we do have injuries and that doesn't help."
Attendance: 240.

HOWARD JONES