'Young Guns' demolish Railway - TRAFFORD 5 v 2 Harrogate Railway
Trafford continued their recent run of good form with a five goal demolition of Harrogate Railway at sunny Shawe View on Saturday.
After a tentative opening, the hosts surged ahead in the 10th minute when John Buckley rifled a free kick from 25 yards into the top corner past the startled Tom Osbourne.
Simon Gallanders then saw his drive deflected over the crossbar and Tom Bentham chipped over as Trafford dominated before Harrogate mounted their first serious attack on the home goal when Simon Parkes fired straight at Greg Hall.
There was little goalmouth action for the remainder of the first half but Danny Shannon should have doubled Trafford's lead in the opening minute of the second period but completely miskicked from just four yards with the goal at his mercy. In the 51st minute Trafford were stunned when the visitors snatched an equaliser, Luke Durham heading in at the back post following sloppy defending.
However, within three minutes Simon Gallanders restored Trafford's lead when he cooly slotted the ball into the bottom corner after good work by Bentham.
Danny Shannon squandered another great chance when he blasted over from the left but in the 67th minute Tom Bentham made it 3-1 when he collected John Buckley's astute through ball and crashed his shot past the advancing Osbourne.
Seconds later Harrogate's misery was compounded by the sending off of Dan Thirkell for dissent.
The action continued with Trafford substitute Kamahl Whight being upended by Wayne Harratt but Tom Bentham saw his weak spot kick saved by Osbourne.
In the 83rd minute Danny Shannon atoned for his earlier misses with a devastating finish from 15 yards but Harrogate substitute Darren Barrick reduced the arrears when he volleyed home from close range after more slack marking by the home defence.
In the 90th minute Whight made another electrifying run down the right and crossed for Shannon to tap home to make it 5-2 and in the five added minutes of injury time Paul Ashton, Whight and Shannon all wasted golden opportunities to add to the scoreline.
This victory moves Trafford up into a healthy mid-table position and they will be hoping to add another three points on Tuesday night when they travel to play Cammell Lairds, kick off 7-45 p.m. On Saturday, Trafford make the long journey to the North East to play Durham City and then on Easter Monday they travel to Radcliffe Borough for their final away fixture of the season.submit
