Trafford dominate but lack killer instinct - Prescot Cables 2 v 2 TRAFFORD
Trafford dominated their Evo Stik League Division One North encounter at Prescot on Saturday but lacked the killer instinct and had to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw.
The visitors were in control from the start with Joe Shaw curling a free kick over and big striker Tom Bentham twice going close. Shaw then held off a challenge from Tom Spearitt but shot inches over before Trafford were given a scare in the 25th minute when John Couch poked a shot from eight yards that Greg Hall pushed behind for a corner.
In the 31st minute Prescot took the lead against the run of play when Simon Gallanders needlessly bundled an opponent off the ball and Lee Madin stepped forward to drive the resultant free kick hard and low into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Despite this setback, Trafford maintained their composure and continued to play the more controlled football and just before half time, Tom Bentham wasted another opportunity when he broke through on the left but sent a weak chip wide of the target.
Within two minutes of the restart Trafford were back on level terms when Prescot failed to clear a Joe Shaw corner from the left, and Danny White pounced to net from close range.
And in the 62nd minute the visitors deservedly forged ahead when left back Paul Ashton skipped past two defenders and crossed beautifully to the back post where White had another simple tap-in.
Prescot introduced substitute Jake Ellis to the fray and he immediately looked dangerous with some piercing runs. In the 72nd minute Ellis broke from midfield and struck a shot from 25 yards that took a slight deflection and flew into the bottom corner to make it 2-2.
Shortly afterwards Danny White was denied a hat-trick when Michael Langley brilliantly saved his goal-bound volley whilst at the other end Nia Bayunu produced a fine goal-line clearance to deny Ben Parsonage after Madin had rounded keeper Hall.
Dangerman Madin went close with another volley that flew agonisingly wide but Trafford could have snatched all three points when substitute Scott Barlow set up Joe Shaw whose rather weak shot was pushed behind for a corner.
Referee Toner brought the game to a close with honours shared and a draw a fair result on a difficult playing surface.
On Tuesday night Trafford entertain Witton Albion at Shawe View and then on Thursday they travel over the Pennines to play Garforth Town, both games kicking off at 7-45 p.m.
