Match Report

Trafford’s mini-revival came to an end on Saturday when they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of third placed Stalybridge Celtic at Bower Fold.

With three wins from their last four games, Tom Baker’s side started confidently, dominating possession against a side that had been unbeaten in their last eleven games.

Despite their superiority, however, the visitors were unable to carve out any clear-cut openings with their only half-chance falling to teenage striker James Butterworth on the half hour mark when he glanced a cross by debutant Isaac Modi well wide.

In the 37th minute, and against the run of play, Celtic took the lead, Ellis Horan curling a free kick that Trafford keeper Charlie Brier did well to push against the upright but then seeing Jack Irlam react the quickest to turn the rebound home from four yards.

Baker’s Boys responded positively to this setback with Butterworth breaking clear on the left but firing over and then midfielder Scott Sephton rifling a 25 yard drive just past the left hand post.

Trafford’s second half performance was disappointing as they allowed Celtic to dominate for long spells, Andy Scarisbrick and Max Leonard both going close with long range efforts.

And in the 65th minute the hosts doubled their lead when Ollie Southern tangled with Ruben Jerome and the ball fell kindly for Ellis Horan who strode forward and cracked a fine shot inside the far post past the helpless Brier.

Kyle Worlsey was a constant threat out on the right flank for Trafford, blasting a shot over in the 68th minute and then playing a glorious pass across the face of the Celtic goal that unfortunately evaded his team-mates.

Isaac Modi prodded a corner well wide, Scott Sephton shot first time past the right hand post and then skipper Harry Norris saw his goal-bound header from a Worsley corner cleared off the line by Kyle Brownhill.

But despite this late pressure Trafford were unable to reduce the arrears and so fell to yet another away defeat, having recorded just one victory on their travels this season, at Stafford Rangers on November 8th.

Baker’s Boys must now put this disappointment behind them and focus on their home fixture on Good Friday when they entertain fourth placed Runcorn Linnets, kick off 3 p.m.

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