Whitsable Town 1-2 Molesey

James McShane's 99th goal for the club was doubled by James Cottee's first, as the Moles completely dominated the opening period.

A combination of a vastly improved second half display by the hosts, coupled with a slightly sloppy showing from the visitors resulted in a more even second half, with substitute Ira Jackson halving the deficit on the hour mark, but the Moles held out in relative comfort.

With Stafford Palmer still unavailable the Moles were also without defensive rock Ollie Robinson. Cottee continued to impress up front whilst Dre Grobler again demonstrated his versatility by slotting calmly into the back four.

McShane twice tiptoed his way through the home defence in the opening stages, being denied by Adam Highstead on one occasion before teeing up Cottee soon after, who was unable to get his shot away.

The opening goal arrived when Luke Doherty tripped Cottee in the box, and McShane sent Highstead the wrong way from the spot.

There was an abundant gulf in class on display, with the only criticism of the visitors being that they perhaps weren't ruthless enough in the final third.

Both Tom Windsor and Sam Robinson fired wide from the edge of the box, and Ross Chalke beat Highstead to a cross but his glancing header went just over the bar.

The home crowd were beginning to get on their players' backs as the half wore on, and their nervousness was evident when a woefully underhit backpass was cut out by Cottee, who rounded Highstead and finished smartly from a tight angle.

The seasiders did not have a single effort on goal during the opening period, but to their immense credit they came out fighting in the second period and pulled themselves back in the game on the hour mark.

Josh Algar had drawn a save from Liam Allen before the lively Jackson got on the end of a flick following Highstead's clearance, and he slotted beyond Allen.

Molesey continued to create chances, despite being uncharacteristically wasteful in possession. Cottee twice fired high and wide from unfavourable angles, and Rob Sheridan headed just wide.

Reis Stanislaus teed up Grobler with Highstead stranded, and he should probably have done better than fire miles over the bar.

Jackson continued to impress for the visitors, but despite a couple of episodes of pinball in the box they did not create another clear cut chance, with the Moles defence well-marshalled by man of the match, Luke Elliott.

McShane unselfishly forgoed the opportunity for his century in stoppage time by playing in substitute Ashby Charles, and although his effort was deflected wide it gave the Moles the chance they needed to run down the final few seconds on the clock.

The win moved the Moles up to 4th in the table, and they have the chance to climb even higher when visiting Carshalton Athletic on Monday; another three points will see them move into second place.