Match Report

TRAFFORD 1 ISLE OF MAN 0

Trafford extended their winning streak to five games with a hard fought victory over FC Isle of Man at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium on Saturday.

Manager Tom Baker was forced to make a late change to the side that had performed so admirably in beating Runcorn Linnets the previous week, midfielder Luke Sephton withdrawing from the line-up following an injury in the warm up. Sephton was replaced by Brad Byrne.

The hosts started brightly with Callum Grogan bursting forward in the 2nd minute but seeing his thunderous drive from 20 yards fly inches over the crossbar.

Both defences were on top for much of the first half but the deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute when Bile Ahmed floated a superb cross from the left to the back post where Ryan Brooke arrived to volley expertly past Adam Killey.

The crowd of just under 400 then had to wait until the 47th minute for the next meaningful attempt at goal, Brooke turning neatly just outside the Ravens penalty area but firing over.

A Scott Sephton shot from 20 yards in the 56th minute was deflected wide and from the resultant corner by Dave Worrall, Ryan Brooke headed just wide.

Trafford keeper Connor Beard was virtually redundant until the hour mark when he comfortably held a free kick by Tom Brown but it was Trafford who always posed the more potent goal threat, Bile Ahmed cracking a low drive that was tipped behind by Killey.

Lewis Jacklin’s close range effort was blocked by a Ravens defender and five minutes from time Bile Ahmed wriggled through four challenges but poked the ball just wide from 10 yards.

Substitute Jacob May volleyed well over as the Islanders half cleared a left wing corner and seconds later the final whistle arrived to signal another magnificent victory for Tom Baker’s side and move them up to sixth in the North West Counties League Premier Division table, three points behind leaders Nelson but with a game in hand.

Intriguingly, Trafford entertain Nelson on Tuesday night at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium, kick off 7-45 p.m.