While there was little to choose between the two sides, it was Widnes who had the better of the proceedings and were unfortunate to have to settle for a share of the spoils.

Alex McQuade and Ryan Jennings were handed Widnes debuts amongst three changes to the side beaten at Ossett United last time out. The former Buxton duo came in for the suspended Sam Sheen and injured Jamie Rainford, while co-boss Kev Towey replaced Ben Hodkinson who dropped to the bench.

Something of a cagey opening to the game could perhaps be attributed to both sides’ current runs of form. The Whites are desperate for points as they continue to hover just above the Northern Premier League Division One North/West drop zone, while Mossley have yet to win away from home this season.

But finding joy inside half spaces between Mossley’s full-backs and central defenders, particularly through James Murray, offered Widnes plenty of encouragement.

Dave Wild’s visiting Lilywhites rarely tested Widnes’ backline although Andy Keogh threatened when he briefly got in behind, but he could only force a comfortable save out of Tom Scott.

The lively Murray was the hosts’ main offensive threat. He exchanged neat passes with James Steele before hitting a rasping drive towards goal that was superbly beaten away by Theo Roberts.

Murray would again be denied by the on-loan Chester keeper 10 minutes later. In what was a virtual carbon copy of his first effort, the Widnes man showed good footwork to engineer space for a shot, but Roberts again produced an outstretched glove to deny the Whites an opener.

Widnes came even closer moments later from the resulting corner. A Jay Roberts corner sat nicely for Steele, who peeled away from his marker, but his effort crashed back against the upright.

Steve Akrigg and Towey’s side maintained a sense of urgency into the second half, with debutant Jennings wonderfully turning away from Steve Mason before going down in the area, but referee Ian Walsh wasn’t interested in half-hearted penalty appeals.

But Mossley began to grow into the contest, with Kayde Coppin coming within inches of an opener on the hour-mark as he turned narrowly over from a Dieter Downey cross.

At the other end, Jennings was denied a debut goal by a crucial Mason intervention as the former Wigan Athletic winger looked poised to strike.

Widnes’ best chance came two minutes later. Towey was involved as his clever flick released George Webster drove to the byline. He supplied a cross that was begging for a crucial touch, but it agonisingly evaded everyone including the awaiting Steele with Mossley clearing any ensuing danger.

Another gilt-edged opportunity came and went 15 minutes from time when Towey burst into the area, appearing to round Roberts only to take one too many touches and run away from goal, eventually losing his footing before Mossley swept away the loose ball.

While keeper Scott enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon, he had to be alert to prevent the Lilywhites earning a smash and grab victory late on. Coppin supplied a cross for Szymon Czubik, but the on-loan Stockport County forward was denied by a superb reflex save as the game finished goalless.