Trafford exited the Buildbase FA Trophy at the first hurdle, suffering a 1-0 defeat away to a Pickering Town side with just one previous victory this season.

The Shawe View men started with great purpose, Dieter Downey and Matty Morgan linking well on the left flank to create some good early chances for No.9 Florian Yonsian. Home goalkeeper Charlie Andrew was made to work, a save from Morgan’s low drive with the palm of his hand being particularly impressive.

Another chance supplied by flying left back Downey saw Yonsian shooting just wide, whilst moments later an angled shot from the evergreen Chris Palmer hit the side netting. Yonsian then created a chance of his own but after shrewdly rolling the ball past Andrew it was frantically hacked off the line by Pickering’s Jack Johnson.

Trafford were forewarned of what was to come when shortly before the interval, goalkeeper Matt Cooper was called upon to make two excellent saves in as many minutes. Pickering finished the half strongly and whilst this continued in the second period, Trafford’s rhythm deserted them. Cooper became increasingly the busier of the two ‘keepers and on a rare occasion where the hosts found a way past Trafford’s No.1, Keil O’Brien was there to clear off the line. The reprieve was only a temporary one however, and after Cooper parried a shot from Jake Watson on 60 minutes the rebound was netted by Jason Barnes to put the Yorkshiremen ahead.

Manager Danny Caldecott soon made changes that saw forwards Max Hazeldine, Ben Halfacre and Sam Grimshaw join the fray looking for goals. Despite Trafford's new attacking options they could not unlock a resolute Pickering defence, and the home side held firm to progress to the next round on what was a disappointing afternoon for Caldecott's side. Their next matches are away at City of Liverpool FC this Tuesday followed by a home game versus Widnes FC on Saturday 24th October.