Slump In Form Continues - TRAFFORD 1 v 2 Warrington Town
Trafford's recent slump in form continued on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 by Warrington Town at Shawe View in their Evo-Stik League Division One North encounter.
Garry Vaughan's side got off to the worst possible start when they fell behind after just 27 seconds, the visitors breaking down the right with Anthony Hickey crossing for Chris Gaghan to tap in from close range.
Warrington striker Alan Collins then broke clear in the inside left channel but his attempted chip was brilliantly saved by Tom Read, who then collected a weak Gavin Salmon effort as the visitors dominated.
In the 14th minute Trafford almost snatched an equaliser against the run of play when Callum Byrne's thunderous drive from 20 yards cannoned back into play off the crossbar.
Byrne went close with a volley from 15 yards but Warrington doubled their lead on the half hour mark when skipper Mike Tomlinson dived in at the near post to deflect a right wing corner past Read.
Chris Gaghan had a great chance to make it three when he cut inside Warren Collier but Read was once more the hero with a brave point blank save.
Trafford started the second half with greater determination and in the 50th minute Tommy Turner flicked a header into the path of Scott Barlow but Town keeper Paul Pritchard saved at his feet.
Shortly afterwards Trafford appealed in vain for a penalty when Tomlinson appeared to pull Barlow's shirt whilst at the other end the impressive Collins curled a shot inches over from the left of the penalty area.
Trafford were now pushing forward with greater conviction and in the 73rd minute Pritchard pushed a great drive by Paul Ashton past his left hand post.
And it was Ashton who created the home sides goal ten minutes later when he sped forward once more and delivered a fine cross that substitute Andy Lundy headed neatly into the bottom corner from ten yards.
The visitors were undaunted by this setback and in the 85th minute Collins was desperately unlucky to head a right wing cross against the bar and then nod the rebound against the exact same spot on the woodwork.
Despite some late pressure, Trafford were unable to conjure up an equaliser and so fell to their fifth successive defeat, albeit every one by a single goal.
On Tuesday night Trafford entertain Abbey Hey in the First Round of the Manchester Premier Cup, kick off 7-45 p.m., and then on Saturday they host Clitheroe at Shawe View, kick off 3 p.m.
