Competition: NWCFL Premier Division

Ramsbottom United vs Trafford FC

After Saturday’s superb victory over Longridge Town, Trafford were brought crashing back down to earth on Tuesday night when they were thrashed 3-0 by an impressive Ramsbottom side.

Tom Baker’s side edged the opening minutes with Sean Higgins seeing his shot blocked and Rammy struggling to defend several free kicks.

However, the visitors were blown away in an eleven minute spell in which they conceded three goals with calamitous defending, Gareth Hill giving his side the lead with a simple tap in following a quick break down the right.

Dillon Edmundson should have levelled in the 14th minute when he broke clear but was denied by a brave save by Reece Trueman, the loose ball falling to Ryan Brooke whose first time effort was brilliantly blocked on the line by Rammy skipper Macauley Wilson.

A minute later the hosts doubled their lead when Trafford failed to clear a high ball into their penalty area and Hill pounced to drive home from 15 yards past Connor Beard.

Seven minutes later, the game was as good as over as a contest when Rammy were awarded a free kick 30 yards out and Jack Sowerby stepped forward to curl a delightful shot around the wall and inside the right hand post.

A volley from 20 yards by Kyle Worsley was held by Trueman as Trafford desperately sought a way back into the game and then Dillon Edmondson’s attempted lob fell the wrong side of the far post.

The second half saw Rammy content to sit on their three goal lead and allow Trafford to dominate possession but Baker’s side were unable to create any meaningful chances from open play.

The nearest Trafford came to reducing the arrears was from corners with Harry Norris and Scott Sephton both heading wide from good positions.

And the highlights of a generally dull second half were provided by Rammy full back Oscar Radcliffe who made two electrifying breaks down the right flank that almost led to further goals for his side.

In the 83rd minute Luke Sephton became the first player in the history of Trafford FC to be ‘sin-binned’ when he argued with referee Oldfield over an offside decision and, to their credit, the ten men fought gamely to the end but were unable to trouble the Rammy goal.

Trafford will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Sunday when they travel to play Worsborough Athletic  in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, kick off 2 p.m.

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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.

Trafford FC vs Longridge Town

Trafford made the perfect start to their league campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over a young and inexperienced Longridge side.

Tom Baker’s side were on top from the start with the midfield trio of Dave Worrall, Scott Sephton and Brad Byrne controlling the game, but they had to wait until the 20th minute for their first attempt on goal, Luke Sephton firing just wide from 20 yards.

Sixty seconds later, Trafford took a deserved lead when Ryan Brooke expertly held off a challenge in the inside left channel and shot coolly past the advancing Josh Burden.

Brooke then struck a superb curling drive from 30 yards that Burden brilliantly pushed past the post and Fin Stanyerheaded just over as Trafford poured forward in search of a second goal.

Brad Byrne, Harry Norris and Ryan Brooke all went close and Trafford went in at the interval with just one goal to their name despite their overwhelming superiority.

The Longridge goal lead a charmed life in the opening minutes of the second half with Luke Sephton twice squandering good chances and Kyle Worsley curling a shot over.

A second goal seemed inevitable but in the 54th minute the home fans were shocked when Longridge’s Tristan Walmsley broke clear of the home defence and appeared certain to score but shot hopelessly straight at Connor Beard.

Two minutes later Baker’s Boys struck again with a neat move orchestrated by Dave Worrall, Kyle Worsley collecting the ball and striking an unstoppable left footed volley past Burden.

And in the 66th minute the points were secured when Worrall found Worsley with a short corner on the right and Fin Stanyer executed a brilliant first time back heel to make it 3-0.

Burden produced another magnificent save to tip a Luke Sephton pile-driver over the bar and the final action of the game saw the younger Sephton brother go close again only to be denied by a fine save by the under pressure Longridge keeper.

Trafford manager Tom Baker was delighted with the performance and result but knows that there are far sterner challenges ahead, starting with Tuesday’s visit to highly fancied Ramsbottom United, kick off 7-45 p.m.

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Jensen Bowering

Jensen Bowering is an exciting young attacking midfielder who adds creativity and energy to Trafford’s options in the final third. Comfortable operating between the lines, he has impressed with his movement, technical ability and willingness to take responsibility in possession.

Although still waiting to make his competitive debut, Jensen has shown plenty of promise during training and pre-season, demonstrating the qualities that persuaded Trafford to bring him to Shawe View. Positive with the ball and always looking to create opportunities, he offers another dimension to the squad and continues to develop alongside experienced teammates. The coaching staff believe he has the ability to make a significant contribution as the season progresses.

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.