Match Report

Trafford missed a penalty and squandered several gilt edged chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw in their NPL West Division fixture at Mossley on Saturday.

The hosts edged the opening stages with Trafford centre back Jordan Fagbola making a fine goal-line clearance following a Gee Baltazar shot in the 12th minute and Sean Kgwakgwacracking a 20 yard effort straight at Sam Booth shortly afterwards.

A cross by Mackena Bradhsaw was headed goalwards by Kieron Molloy in Trafford’s first meaningful attack in the 33rd minute, Fin Madigan saving at full length to deny the Trafford forward, and three minutes later the home fans were stunned when Trafford mounted an attack down the left, the ball was switched inside to Sean Higgins who struck a fine drive past Madigan and inside the far post.

This was fitting reward for the Trafford captain on his 100thappearance for the club.

Four minutes into the second half Kieron Molloy missed a glorious opportunity to make it 2-0 when he shot straight at Madigan from just ten yards with the goal at his mercy whilst at the other end a Mason Fawns volley from 20 yards flew just over.

Sam Booth produced a fine save to thwart Gee Baltazar in the 66th minute but just a minute later Trafford were wasteful once more when Campbell Reid broke through on the left but delayed his shot and allowed Madigan to block.

In the 69th minute Trafford were punished for their profligacy when Mossley equalised with a quite stunning goal, Isaac Graham cracking a first time thunderbolt from fully 25 yards past Sam Booth and into the top corner.

Jack Higginbottom headed just wide as Trafford fought to restore their lead and in the 78thminute substitute Tom Lawrence wasted another good chance when he delayed his shot from just ten yards and was crowded out.

Five minutes later Trafford had another golden opportunity to secure all three points when Campbell Reid was upended in the Mossley penalty area but Kingston Fligg saw his weak spot kick pushed to safety by Madigan.

The final minutes belonged to the hosts and deep into injury they created two good chances, Sam Booth producing a brilliant save to keep out a header by Fawns who then volleyed just wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Trafford manager Karl Marginson was disappointed to collect just one point from the game due to his teams wastefulness but must now look forward to Wednesday night’s clash with high flying Lower Breck on Merseyside before they play hosts to Nantwich Town on Saturday.