After 4 intense pre-season training sessions, Trafford FC started their friendly game programme with a trip to Llandudno yesterday (Saturday 6th July).
An entertaining game ensued with both sides playing some great football and creating many chances. The home side took the lead with virtually the second kick of the game, but Trafford immediately remembered they weren’t in a training session, and built some good passing moves with Tom Beckett and Matty Lusakueno particularly dangerous on the wings/cutting in.
ON 28 minutes, it was these two who provided Trafford with an equaliser – Lusakueno with the assist, Beckett with the finish to make it 1-1. The next 6 minutes of action saw Llandudno retain the lead, and Trafford equalise again – that man Beckett sidestepping a couple of home challenges to slot it home.
Llandudno scored just before half time to lead 3-2 at the break, and a raft of changes in the second half saw several youngsters, graduates of Trafford’s thriving Youth section, given their chances alongside the calm old head of assistant manager & former Stockport County skipper Harry Winter. Trafford took the second half with Winter cool on the ball, and the returning Harrison Bickerton looking comfortable at left-back. 10 minutes into the half, Eddie Brown held the ball up well and laid it off to Ollie McKay to strike home Trafford’s 3rd equaliser of the match. Meanwhile on the left wing, a young trialist called Josh Wood was showing no fear, making some great runs, and showing quality on the ball. Wood burst into the box and was brought down for a penalty which Rio Clegg put away for the winner, 4-3 to Trafford.
After the match, the England v Switzerland game was on in the Llandudno FC clubhouse, and Trafford’s players, staff & supporters enjoyed another penalty victory!!
Trafford’s next pre-season friendly is on Tuesday 16th July away at Abbey Hey FC kick off 19:45.
