Trafford's Under 18's amazing journey in the FA Youth Cup came to an end when they were defeated 1-0 by Tranmere Rovers in the First Round Proper on Sunday.
Jeff Crewe’s young side matched, and at times bettered, their illustrious EFL opponents throughout despite falling behind after just seven minutes when Rovers skipper Seb Henderson capitalised on hesitancy in the Trafford defence to net from four yards.
The hosts should have equalised in the 34th minute when James Marsh broke clear but saw his shot deflected wide by Rovers keeper Charlie Price whilst at the other end Jackson Linley-Jones produced a brilliant save to thwart Sam Mann.
Trafford were on top as half time approached with Nozomi Furuki firing into the side-netting and James Marsh shooting straight at Price from 15 yards.
Linley-Jones tipped a fierce drive by Henderson over the bar and Joel West shot wide as Rovers sought a second but at the other end Trafford substitute Devon Albert was desperately unlucky when his 25 yard effort cannoned back into play off the crossbar.
Trafford poured forward in the closing stages led by a superb performance by captain Latiq Roberts and a mesmeric display by the mercurial Josh Rouse, and they were convinced they had equalised in the 86th minute when a sensational left footed volley by James Marsh struck the underside of the crossbar with several players claiming the ball had crossed the goal-line. The assistant referee ruled otherwise.
Undaunted, the Trafford youngsters pushed forward once more and in the dying seconds a fabulous cross by Entwisle out on the left was met by a header by Isaac Okeregha but unfortunately goalkeeper Price gathered.
The final whistle signalled the end of a magnificent run in the competition by Trafford's youngsters with victories over Lancaster City, Marine, Southport and Gateshead ALL away from home. They boys can count themselves very unfortunate that they failed to add Tranmere Rovers to that list.