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.

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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

Goalkeeper Connor Beard joined Trafford in the summer of 2026 following an impressive season with Abbey Hey, where he made 42 appearances in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division.

Beard’s previous clubs also include Atherton LR and Sandbach United, giving him considerable experience of senior football across the North West.

An assured goalkeeper with strong organisational qualities, Beard made an immediate impression at Shawe View, keeping five clean sheets in seven matches during August 2026.

His performances earned him the NWCFL Goalkeeper of the Month for August 2026 award, a notable individual achievement during the opening stages of his Trafford career.

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.

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Jake Dunford

Versatile midfielder Jake Dunford joined Trafford ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, bringing valuable North West Counties Football League experience to Shawe View.

His previous clubs include Padiham, West Didsbury & Chorlton and Abbey Hey, where he gained experience of the demands of competitive senior football.

Comfortable operating in several positions, Dunford offers tactical flexibility, energy and a strong work ethic. His versatility and experience across the North West non-league scene have made him a useful addition to Trafford’s first-team squad.

Ryan Brooke

Experienced forward Ryan Brooke joined Trafford with an impressive goalscoring pedigree, having established himself as Runcorn Linnets’ all-time leading goalscorer.

Brooke’s time at Linnets made him a familiar name in North West non-league football, and he enjoyed a memorable return to his former club in August 2026, scoring in Trafford’s 3-2 FA Cup victory at Runcorn.

He also scored Trafford’s opening goal of the 2026/27 campaign against Longridge Town, marking the beginning of his time at Shawe View with an important contribution.

Callum Grogan

Experienced central defender Callum Grogan joined Trafford in the summer of 2026, bringing a wealth of experience from the Northern Premier League and higher levels of non-league football.

Having developed his game at Radcliffe Borough, Grogan went on to represent several established clubs, including Runcorn Linnets and Lower Breck, before making the move to Shawe View.

A commanding and aggressive defender, Grogan combines physical presence with composure on the ball and strong organisational qualities. His leadership, experience and understanding of the non-league game have made him a valuable addition to Trafford’s defensive ranks.

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.

David Worrall has represented Trafford as an attacking midfielder, contributing creativity, set-piece delivery and goals from the middle of the park.

His ability from dead-ball situations was demonstrated during Trafford’s memorable 3-2 FA Cup victory away to Runcorn Linnets in August 2026, when his free-kick helped secure an impressive cup upset.

Worrall also produced one of the standout moments of Trafford’s October victory over South Liverpool, scoring from inside his own half after spotting the opposition goalkeeper off his line.

Moses Yoak

Moses Yoak joined Trafford in the summer of 2026 following a successful spell with Abbey Hey, where he established himself as an important member of the squad.

Capable of operating in central defence or midfield, Yoak worked with Trafford first-team coach Simon Heaton during his time at Abbey Hey and earned multiple individual awards for his performances.

His athleticism, versatility and experience of North West Counties Football League football made him a valuable addition to the Whites, offering options in both defensive and midfield positions.