RORY Patterson struck a hat-trick as back-to-form FC United stepped up their promotion assault in the UniBond League First Division North.
Patterson, fresh back from suspension, sensationally struck twice within four minutes of being introduced early in the second half.
Earlier, Jerome Wright's 14th-minute opener had been cancelled out by a Gareth Hamlett equaliser for the Lilywhites.
Patterson then struck his quick-fire double to make it 3-1, but skipper Lee Connor then pulled a goal back for Mossley.
Nicky Platt added FC's fourth before Patterson completed his treble with a last-minute penalty, ensuring FC United took full advantage of the fact that league leaders Curzon Ashton's game at Garforth was called off.
2 Liam Foster
3 Bradley Howard
4 Nicky Platt
5 Micah Bleau
6 Rob Nugent(captain)
7 Jamie Baguley
8 Chris Baguley
9 Simon Carden
10 Aaron Burns
11 Jerome Wright
Subs Used
12 Rory Patterson(for 9, 53 mins)
14 Nick Robinson(for 10, 53 mins)
15 James Holden(for 8, 77 mins)
Attendance 2017
Scorers Wright 13, Patterson 56, 57, 90 (pen) Platt 86 Hamlet 26 Connor 70