Match Report

Trafford edge through to FA Cup Preliminary Round with magnificent victory at Bradford

Trafford edged through to the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup following Friday night’s 2-1 victory over Albion Sports in Bradford.
Karl Marginson’s side made a confident start with Matty Morgan being denied a goal-scoring opportunity after just three minutes by a brilliant last ditch tackle by Paul Walker.

Morgan then wasted a free kick from 25 yards after a superb piece of skill by debutant Rio Clegg drew a foul and yellow card for Dominic Staunton and in the 25th minute Mike Burke rifled a 30 yard free kick just wide.
Two minutes later Burke squandered the best chance of the game so far when he fired wide at the back post following great work by Morgan down the right.

Jordan Fagbola headed a Sean Higgins cross just wide and midfielder Brad Byrne shot straight at goalkeeper Jordan Porter as Trafford dominated and they deservedly took the lead in the 41st minute with a superbly crafted goal, Hilal Khan feeding Matty Lusakueno who bamboozled the Albion defence and rolled the ball into the empty net.

Just sixty seconds later it was two, when Mike Burke dispossessed Luke Sharry and slipped the ball through to Matty Morgan who coolly placed his shot past the advancing Porter and into the bottom corner.

Morgan then squandered a glorious opportunity to make it three when he broke clear but chipped the ball wide with Porter stranded.
At half-time, the hosts made three substitutions and altered their tactics, playing numerous long balls out of defence and adopting a much more physical and aggressive attitude.

Trafford keeper Sam Booth produced a fine save to thwart Paul Walker and Albion midfielder Fernando Moke struck a great drive from 30 yards that dipped just over the crossbar.

Nathan Cartman headed straight at Sam Booth who then parried a rasping free kick by Luke Sherry as Albion poured forward.
Lewis Waddington struck a thunderous drive against the underside of the crossbar as Trafford appeared to tire and manager Marginson introduced three substitutes to freshen his side.

Despite this, Albion continued to push forward and in the 88th minute a cross from the left brushed the arm of Trafford defender Jordan Fagbola. Sumaili Cisse stepped forward to plant the resultant spot kick past Booth and set up a grandstand finish.

Booth saved brilliantly once again to deny T’Nique Fishley as the seconds ticked away and the final whistle finally arrived to signal a magnificent, hard-fought victory for the Mancunians.

Trafford play host to the winners of the Emley v FC St. Helens tie in the FA Cup Preliminary Round on 17th August, but now turn their attentions to their first NPL fixture this coming Saturday when they travel to play Congletion Town, kick off 3 p.m.

Match Photos