Competition: Friendly

Trafford FC vs Flixton FC

Trafford became the inaugural winners of the FoxallMatthews Community Cup when they defeated Flixton 3-1 to give them an aggregate score of 5-4.

The game, played to commemorate the outstanding work of club legends Graham Foxall and Stan Matthews, was a complete reversal of last week’s encounter when Flixton were far superior and should have won by a greater margin than 3-2.

On this occasion, Trafford were far more aggressive and determined and took the lead after just six minutes when Dave Worrall dispossessed William Mendy and slotted the ballsimply past Cam Mason.

Brad Byrne should have made it two when he somehow headed wide from just six yards and Sean Higgins went close at the back post as Tom Baker’s side dominated.

Debutant Dylan Edmondson fired over from 15 yards before Luke Sephton made it two in the 36th minute, breaking clear and firing home via the underside of the crossbar.

Manager Baker made nine changes to his line-up for the second half with keeper Connor Beard and skipper Harry Norris the only players to keep their places.

Despite this, Trafford remained comfortably in control until the 66th minute when Collins Kagame collected the ball out on the left, drifted inside and struck a glorious shot from 20 yards past Beard and into the top corner.

Just sixty seconds later, Bile Ahmed wasted a great chance to make it 3-1 when he saw his weak penalty kick saved by Mason but Ahmed made amends with five minutes remaining when he was released by Brad Njine in the inside left channel and coolly placed the ball past the advancing keeper and inside the far post.

Trafford are next in action at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium on Tuesday when they entertain Stalybridge Celtic, kick off 7-45 p.m., before hosting Warrington Rylands on Saturday, kick off 3 p.m.

Trafford FC

3 vs 1

Flixton FC

Finley Stanyer

Fin Stanyer has made an excellent start to his Trafford career, featuring in all three competitive fixtures to date and marking the opening weeks of the season with his first goal for the club. The young defender has impressed supporters and coaching staff alike with his maturity, composure and willingness to embrace the demands of senior football.

Comfortable bringing the ball out from defence and capable of playing in several positions across the back line, Finley represents the exciting blend of youth and ambition within Trafford’s squad. His performances during the opening weeks of the campaign suggest a bright future ahead, while working alongside experienced defenders continues to accelerate his development. Trafford supporters will be excited to watch his progress throughout the season.

Connor Beard

Connor Beard arrived at Shawe View ahead of the 2026/27 season after an impressive campaign with Abbey Hey, where he established himself as one of the North West Counties League’s standout goalkeepers. Manager Tom Baker identified Beard as his first-choice goalkeeper, praising both his experience and consistency after making 42 appearances during the previous season.

A commanding presence in the penalty area, Connor combines excellent shot-stopping with confident handling and strong communication. Comfortable playing out from the back and quick off his line, he brings calmness and authority to Trafford’s defence. Still in his prime, Beard had interest from several clubs before choosing Trafford, believing in the ambition being built at Shawe View. His professionalism and winning mentality make him a key figure as the club looks to challenge at the top of the North West Counties Premier Division.

Joined: 2026
Previous Club: Abbey Hey

Flixton FC vs Trafford FC

Trafford fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat in the First Leg of the Foxall Matthews Community Cup at Valley Road on Saturday.

Flixton were the sharper, pacier team throughout but the first chance fell to the visitors in the 5th minute when a Kyle Worsley drive from 20 yards was held by Cam Mason.

Cian Donohue then volleyed over following a poor clearance by Trafford skipper Harry Norris before Flixton’s effervescent left winger Uche Eze fired his team ahead in the 11th minute when he cut in from his flank and cracked a fine low drive past Connor Beard and inside the far post.

Sean Higgins twice blocked goal bound shots as Flixtoncontinued to dominate and Beard produced a fine save to tip a Lewis Byrne thunderbolt onto the crossbar.

In the 25th minute Trafford fell further behind when Byrne miscued a shot from 15 yards that struck Fin Stanyer and flew past the wrong-footed Beard.

A Scott Sephton header was pushed past the post by Cam Mason as Trafford sought a way back into the game and they were rewarded in the 34th minute when a great low cross by Kyle Worsley was tapped home at the back post by debutant Ryan Brooke.

Five minutes later, the roles were reversed when Brooke cleverly fed Worsley who struck a tremendous first time drive past Mason and into the top corner to make it 2-2.

The second half belonged entirely to Flixton and in the 50thminute Matty Cooper, replacing Connor Beard at half-time, produced a magnificent double save to deny Eze at point blank range.

Seven minutes later Flixton deservedly regained the lead when Lewis Byrne headed past Cooper after the ball had ricocheted off the right hand post.

Eze then missed another glorious opportunity when he broke clear but steered the ball past the far post whilst at the other end, in a rare Trafford attack, Luke Sephton wasted a great opportunity to equalise when he hesitated with keeper Mason in no man’s land and allowed a Flixton defender to clear.

Flixton were playing with a pace and intensity that Trafford were finding it difficult to match but with just three minutes remaining Tom Baker’s Boys squandered another great chance of an equaliser when George Unsworth pulled the ball back from the left, Sean Higgins blasted his shot goal wards and Cam Mason produced a brilliant reflex save to turn it over the bar.

A fascinating game played in front of a bumper crowd came to a close with Flixton fully deserving their victory and they go into the Second Leg at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium this coming Saturday with that slender single goal advantage.

Kick off is 2 p.m. but spectators are advised to arrive early as another huge crowd is anticipated.

Flixton FC

3 vs 2

Trafford FC

Jake Dunford

Jake Dunford joined Trafford during the summer rebuild and made his competitive debut in the Emirates FA Cup before recording his first appearance in white. Comfortable across a number of midfield roles, Jake has quickly settled into the squad and embraced the demands of representing Trafford.

An energetic player with an excellent attitude, Jake combines intelligent movement with a willingness to work hard for the team. His versatility provides Tom Baker with valuable tactical flexibility, while his determination and professionalism have already made a positive impression around the club. As he continues to adapt to his new surroundings, Jake will be aiming to establish himself as a regular contributor throughout the 2026/27 season.

Ryan Brooke

Ryan Brooke joined Trafford with an outstanding reputation after leaving Runcorn Linnets as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 83 goals in 200 appearances. Described by manager Tom Baker as “a coup for the football club”, Ryan arrived with the pedigree and experience expected of a proven number nine.

He has wasted little time making his mark at Shawe View, scoring on his league debut and taking his tally to one goal in his opening three competitive appearances. Strong, intelligent and clinical in front of goal, Ryan combines excellent hold-up play with the movement and finishing ability that have made him one of the region’s most respected non-league strikers. As Trafford’s leading centre-forward, he will be central to the club’s ambitions of challenging for promotion throughout the 2026/27 season.

Callum Grogan

Callum Grogan joined Trafford ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, adding valuable experience and leadership to the defensive unit. Comfortable playing at the heart of the defence, Callum arrived with an impressive reputation built over several seasons in non-league football and made his competitive debut for the club in the Emirates FA Cup.

An aggressive but composed defender, Callum excels in aerial duels and enjoys organising the back line. His calmness in possession also allows Trafford to play progressively from defence, fitting perfectly with Tom Baker’s preferred style of football. As one of several experienced additions to the squad, Callum’s influence extends beyond his performances on the pitch, helping younger teammates develop while bringing valuable know-how to the dressing room.

Lewis Jacklin

Lewis Jacklin arrived at Shawe View after impressing Tom Baker with his pace, athleticism and defensive qualities. Since joining Trafford he has already featured twice in competitive action, quickly demonstrating why the club worked hard to secure his signature.

A modern attacking full-back, Lewis enjoys supporting attacks without compromising his defensive responsibilities. His recovery pace, energy and willingness to get forward make him an exciting player to watch, while his determination and work ethic have helped him settle quickly into the squad. Still early in his Trafford career, Lewis has shown plenty of promise and will be looking to establish himself as a regular starter as the season progresses.

David Worrall

David Worrall arrived at Trafford with one of the most impressive playing CVs in the club’s history. After a distinguished professional career spanning more than 600 senior appearances, including promotions with Millwall and Port Vale, David chose Shawe View as the next chapter of his career, bringing outstanding quality and experience to Tom Baker’s squad.

Comfortable across several midfield and attacking positions, David combines exceptional technical ability with calm decision-making and an outstanding football brain. Having featured in all three of Trafford’s competitive fixtures to date, he has quickly demonstrated why he has been so highly regarded throughout his career. His professionalism and leadership also make him an invaluable mentor to younger players, helping to raise standards across the club both on and off the pitch.

Moses Yoak

One of Trafford’s summer recruits, Moses Yoak joined the club from Abbey Hey after an award-winning campaign in which he impressed across several positions. Having previously worked with First Team Coach Simon Heaton, Moses was identified as a priority signing thanks to his athleticism, versatility and desire to be part of Trafford’s future.

Equally comfortable at centre-back or in midfield, Moses brings mobility, composure and excellent technical ability to the squad. He has already featured in Trafford’s opening league fixtures and continues to settle quickly into his new surroundings. His ability to break up attacks before driving forward with the ball gives the management team valuable tactical flexibility. At an age where his best years remain ahead of him, Moses has all the attributes to become a major player for Trafford in the seasons to come.