Match Report

Trafford staged a remarkable comeback to defeat non-league aristocrats FC United of Manchester 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium on Monday night.

The visitors were in total control for much of the first half and took the lead after just eight minutes when Andre Wisdom fed Jay Fitzmartin who coolly and clinically fired past the advancing Ollie Culkin.

Six minutes later Ron Sithole made it two when he gained control just outside the Trafford penalty area and lashed the ball into the bottom corner.

Fitzmartin then crashed his shot against the Trafford crossbar as the Red Rebels threatened to run riot and a fierce drive by skipper Charlie Ennis was blocked by the under fire home defence.

In the 27th minute and completely against the run of play, Karl Marginson’s side pulled a goal back when Jerome Wright made a great run down the left, crossed hard and low and Ryley Smith pounced to drill the ball home from 15 yards.

The second half was more even although Jan Palinkas almost made it 3-1 in the 66th minute when he swivelled and blasted a fine effort against the crossbar from 12 yards.

Both teams made numerous substitutions and in the 72nd minute Trafford’s Hilal Khan neatly headed the ball into the path of Henry Brown who struck a thunderous drive from 20 yards past Dan Atherton and into the top right hand corner for a wonderful equaliser.

The hosts now sensed an upset and upped the tempo of their game in the closing stages.

Ryley Smith ghosted past two defenders and saw his fine effort held by Atherton before, with just two minutes remaining, Kieran Molloy rode a challenge by United full back Adam Sudworth and shot under the advancing keeper.

The final whistle signalled a tremendous victory for Marginson’s Men who now entertain the resurrected Flixton Football Club on Saturday, kick off 3 p.m., before completing their preparations for the new season on Tuesday night when Radcliffe FC are the visitors.