Competition: Macron Challenge Cup

Prestwich Heys vs Trafford FC

PRESTWICH HEYS 2 TRAFFORD 1

Trafford were left to rue a host of missed chances as they crashed out of the NWCFL Macron Cup at Prestwich on Saturday.

Manager Tom Baker made seven changes to the team that had won at Barnoldswick in midweek with one eye on Tuesday night’s league encounter with Burscough and Saturday’s blockbuster FA Cup clash with Atherton Collieries.

And after a tentative start they fell behind to the softest of penalties in the 13th minute when Jacob May was harshly adjudged to have tripped Bryson Appleton and Ellis Richardson stepped forward to thrash the resultant spot kick into the roof of the net.

Trafford were looking uncharacteristically lacklustre and lethargic and they fell two behind in the 23rd minute when Abdul Djalo broke clear down the left and coolly clipped the ball past the advancing Matty Cooper.

Ryan Brooke should have reduced the arrears shortly afterwards when he headed against goalkeeper Jack Buckley from point blank range following a left wing corner and the first half came to a close with Hamed Sidibe firing over from 20 yards after a great run down the left flank.

Baker’s Boys showed far greater urgency and intensity in the second half and after Brad Njine had shot across the face of the Heys goal, Ryan Brooke saw his chip from close range saved by Buckley.

It was all Trafford with Dave Worrall’s close range shot being blocked by a Heys defender and then Buckley saving from Sidibe with an outstretched leg.

In the 73rd minute Sidibe atoned for that earlier miss when he struck a crisp right footed volley into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area and the closing stages saw Trafford storming forward in search of further goals.

Kyle Worsley struck a great curling drive from 25 yards that was brilliantly parried by Buckley with several Trafford players failing to force home the rebound.

Lewis Jacklin then volleyed just wide at the back post and deep into injury time Fin Stanyer fired high and wide from 15 yards after good approach play by Jacklin.

Try as they might Trafford were unable to force the equaliser and so fell to a disappointing defeat at the hands of a hard working Heys side.

However, Baker’s Boys have a chance to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night when they entertain Burscough in a vital league fixture at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium, kick off 7-45 p.m.

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Hamed Sidibe

Hamed Sidibe adds pace, power and athleticism to Trafford’s attacking options. Capable of operating anywhere across the front line, he gives Tom Baker valuable tactical flexibility and another player capable of stretching opposition defences with intelligent movement.

Although still waiting for his first competitive appearance of the season, Hamed has impressed with his attitude and commitment since joining the first-team squad. His willingness to work hard both in and out of possession makes him a valuable member of the group, while his physical attributes provide Trafford with a different attacking option when required. As the campaign progresses, Hamed will be looking to earn further opportunities and make a significant contribution in league and cup competitions.

Bradley Njine

Bradley Njine has made a lively start to his Trafford career, appearing in all three of the club’s opening competitive fixtures. His pace, athleticism and direct approach have already provided supporters with an exciting glimpse of what he can offer in the final third.

Capable of playing across the front line, Bradley enjoys running at defenders and stretching opposition back lines with his movement. His willingness to press from the front also fits perfectly with Trafford’s energetic style of play. Still adapting to his new surroundings, Bradley continues to grow in confidence with every appearance and will be looking to turn promising performances into goals and assists as the campaign develops.

Jacob May

Jacob May is another exciting addition to Trafford’s squad and has already made his competitive debut during the club’s Emirates FA Cup campaign. A versatile defender who is comfortable in possession, Jacob has impressed the coaching staff with his attitude, commitment and willingness to learn.

Capable of playing across the defensive line, he combines good positional awareness with the confidence to contribute when Trafford move forward. His versatility provides Tom Baker with useful tactical options throughout a demanding campaign, while regular exposure to senior football will continue to aid his development. Jacob has settled quickly into the first-team environment and will be aiming to build on his encouraging start as Trafford pursue their promotion ambitions.

Kian Wallace

Kian Wallace represents the exciting young talent emerging within Trafford’s first-team squad. Having already made his senior debut for the club, Kian continues to develop under the guidance of Tom Baker and the coaching staff while gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment.

Technically accomplished and comfortable in possession, Kian enjoys playing positive football and linking attacks from midfield. His enthusiasm, willingness to learn and commitment on the training ground have impressed everyone at Shawe View, while regular involvement with the senior squad continues to accelerate his development. Trafford believe Kian has an exciting future ahead and supporters will be looking forward to seeing his progress over the coming seasons.

Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford provides Trafford with energy, athleticism and creativity in the middle of the park. Comfortable receiving possession under pressure, he enjoys driving forward with the ball and linking midfield with attack through intelligent movement and positive passing.

A player who is always willing to work for the team, Jamal combines technical quality with a strong work ethic, making him an ideal fit for Trafford’s high-energy approach. Whether starting matches or providing fresh legs from the bench, he offers Tom Baker another dynamic midfield option capable of influencing games in a variety of ways. Still developing his game, Jamal continues to make excellent progress within the first-team environment and has an exciting future ahead.

Matt Cooper

Matt Cooper provides Trafford with excellent strength in depth between the posts. A dependable and hardworking goalkeeper, he has impressed the coaching staff with his professionalism, positive attitude and willingness to compete for the number one shirt.

Comfortable dealing with crosses and quick to organise the defence in front of him, Matt is a goalkeeper who brings reassurance whenever called upon. His distribution and composure in possession suit Trafford’s desire to build attacks from the back, while his commitment on the training ground has earned the respect of teammates throughout the squad. Every successful team needs healthy competition for places, and Cooper’s presence ensures standards remain high throughout the season as Trafford push towards their objectives.

Dillon Edmundson

Dillon Edmundson has begun his Trafford career positively, featuring twice during the opening weeks of the season as he settles into life at Shawe View. A hard-working forward who leads the line with enthusiasm and commitment, Dillon offers intelligent movement and a relentless work ethic.

Whether starting matches or making an impact from the bench, he is always prepared to press defenders, create space for teammates and put opposition defences under pressure. Although still searching for his first Trafford goal, Dillon’s all-round contribution has already impressed the coaching staff, who value his selfless approach and willingness to work for the team. His determination suggests it will only be a matter of time before he opens his account.

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