Match Report

Ten man Trafford go top after magnificent home win!

Ten man Trafford came from a goal down to secure three points and move to the top of the Northern Premier League West Division.
Karl Marginson’s side started confidently, obviously buoyed by the six points gained over the Bank Holiday, and should have taken the lead after just four minutes when Rio Clegg found himself in space in the Town penalty area but dallied on the ball and was crowded out.
Town were causing problems at set-pieces due to their physical superiority and, after Will Igeo had curled a shot just wide from the left, took the lead in the 21st minute when Trafford failed to clear a right wing corner and Joel Stair hooked the ball home at the back post.
In the 28th minute Trafford’s task was made all the more difficult when Rio Clegg was red carded for a late challenge on Brandon Newell but Trafford responded brilliantly when Jerome Wright fired over from the left seven minutes later.

In the 38th minute Town left back Louis Keenan handled the ball inside his own penalty area and when Adam Whitehouse parried the resultant spot kick by Brad Byrne, the Trafford midfielder had the presence of mind to follow up and net the rebound.
The first half came to a close with home left back Damola Sotona making several surging runs and striker Mike Burke firing just wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Trafford showed tremendous resolve throughout the second half and in the 52nd minute Mike Burke was desperately unlucky when his first time shot from eight yards rattled the crossbar.

Four minutes later Trafford reaped the rewards that their enterprise deserved, Jerome Wright flighting a brilliant free kick from 20 yards that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
The hosts were beginning to tire but once again manager Marginson utilised his five substitutes to great effect and in the 74th minute Rob Worrall almost made it three but saw his free kick saved at the foot of the post by Whitehouse.
In the 75th minute home keeper Sam Booth produced a superb save to push a Tom Pope header past the upright and was called into action again shortly afterwards when he saved from Will Igeo.
Trafford’s defence was once again in tremendous form, marshalled by the veterans Jerome Wright and Jordan Fagbola, and the final whistle signalled a wonderful victory for the boys from Shawe View who have now won four out of their first five league games and sit proudly at the top of their division.
However, they must now concentrate their efforts on the FA Trophy and a long trip to Bridlington Town next Saturday, kick off 3 p.m.