Trafford’s magnificent run of six consecutive wins came to an end on Tuesday night when they were defeated 3-1 in a pulsating clash at Clitheroe.
The game was a great advert for non-league football with both teams totally committed to attack and producing a plethora of goalmouth incidents.
Trafford took the lead in the 17th minute when a right wing corner by Matty Morgan was headed down into the bottom corner by skipper Harry Norris.
The visitors were playing some delightful, slick football and in the 22nd minute almost struck again when Isaac Noble crossed from the left and Morgan’s goal-bound effort was blocked by a defender.
Trafford centre back Jordan Fagbola then saw his half-volley from close range cleared off the line whilst at the other end Jack Higginbottom defended brilliantly when faced with a two v one situation.
As half-time approached Clitheroe began to get on top but they got a helping hand from the referee in the 35th minute when Sean Higgins cleared the ball from his right back position but was somehow deemed to have fouled Lenni Cirino in the process. Sam Booth produced a great save to parry Veron Parny’s spot kick but Louis Potts reacted first and fired home the rebound.
Undaunted by this misjustice, Trafford pushed forward once more with Ryley Smith hesitating when in a great position and Matty Morgan blasting a shot from 20 yards that was denied by a fabulous save by Hakan Burton.
The second half was similar to the first with both teams pushing forward relentlessly and at great pace and in the 57th minute a fine move by the visitors ended with Isaac Noble shooting weakly at Burton.
Rio Clegg, returning to the side following his three game suspension, released Morgan down the right but his powerful drive was easily held by Burton.
Clitheroe’s Domaine Rouse headed wide at the back post following a deep free kick from the left and Ryley Smith wasted a free kick in a great position when he fired the ball into the defensive wall.
Sam Booth produced several breath-taking saves as Clitheroe poured forward in the closing stages but he was powerless to prevent the hosts from taking the lead in the 79th minute when Charlie Hayes-Green rose the highest to head a left wing corner inside the far upright.
Trafford manager Karl Marginson made a triple substation to hopefully refresh his side but five minutes later Hayes-Green struck again with a carbon copy header, this time from a right wing corner, to make it 3-1.
Marginson’s team battled valiantly to the end but a superbly entertaining game of football came to a close with the Lancashire side triumphant.
Despite this setback, Trafford remain in second place in the NPL West Division table but face another tricky fixture on Saturday when they make the long journey to Chasetown, kick off 3 p.m. Then a week on Tuesday they entertain Mossley at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium, kick off 7-45 p.m.