Match Report

TRAFFORD FC slid to a 0-1 defeat in a game they really could and should have won. The trip to the West Midlands saw Tom Baker’s team take on Darlaston Town – the hosts being two points ahead of Trafford in the bottom two of the NPL West Division. A victory would have given Trafford the boost of lifting themselves off the bottom at Christmas.

Trafford started brightly, with Kieron Molloy in particular causing Darlaston problems with his pace and trickery on the left. Molloy had Trafford’s first real chance after just 6 minutes, shooting wide from the edge of the box. Moments later he combined with Jack Sloan to give Brad Byrne a chance which produced a fine save from Darlaston ‘keeper Stan Amos. The resultant corner saw Trafford captain Harry Norris head wide.

After this bright opening, the game became bogged down with the muddy conditions and a home side prepared to stick a foot or head in for every loose ball. This did little for the quality of football on display. Goalless at the break, disaster struck just two minutes in to the second half when a Darlaston corner dropped in the 6-yard area. Trafford’s defenders failed to react quick enough, and Calum Knowles poked it home. The scrappy nature of the game continued, and it was difficult to get any momentum going.

Trafford had opportunities – Molloy continued to shine, and his shot on 50 minutes had power, but Amos held it comfortably. Five minutes later Molloy seized upon a poor backpass by Darlaston defender Harry Chesterton and fed Tom Lawless, who’s shot seemed destined for the goal but defender Ashley Carter slid from nowhere to block it with his body.

The last ten minutes saw Trafford frantically pushing for at least an equaliser, but the home side showed resilience in defence. Substitute Taylor Dyson hit a free kick past the post, then three Trafford corners in a row were repelled. Debutant Ian Togo hit the side netting, and Dana Amaral lobbed Amos in injury time only to see his effort bounce away off the underside of the bar.

The defeat leaves Trafford eight points from safety. They entertain Avro FC at home on Boxing Day (kick off 3pm) and Tom Baker will be hoping their performances, which have recently seen big signs of improvement, will start securing regular three points soon….

(Pete McGrath)