TRAFFORD 2 CURZON ASHTON 2

Trafford’s preparations for the forthcoming season got underway on Saturday when, in front of a magnificent crowd of just under 400, a last minute goal gave visitors Curzon Ashton a rather undeserved equaliser.
Danny Caldecott’s team started brightly with Matty Morgan seeing a half-volley from the edge of the penalty area held by Chris Renshaw in the sixth minute and the returning fans favourite Darius Palma skipping past two defenders and floating a glorious chip inches over from 25 yards.
And the hosts were rewarded for their superiority in the 18th minute, Morgan curling a fine low drive inside the right hand post from 20 yards.
Two minutes later Trafford suffered a blow when newly instated skipper Keil O’Brien pulled up with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Harry Sheridan.
In the 37th minute Trafford almost struck again when a superb move ended with new signing Isaac Graham just failing to connect at the back post.
Manager Caldecott made five changes to his line up at half-time but still Trafford remained in control and Palma saw his low drive saved at full length by Renshaw before Mike Burke’s close range effort was deflected over for a corner.
At the other end, Curzon’s Dominic Knowles struck a fierce volley that clipped the crossbar but in the 67th minute Trafford doubled their lead when the impressive Tunde Otulana released Alfie Belcher who wrong-footed a defender and cracked a great shot past Renshaw and into the top corner.
The visitors from the National League North Division were stung into action and in the 80th minute Jack Dyche rose to power a header past Trafford’s young substitute keeper Niall Jordan.
It appeared as though the hosts would hold out for what would have been a splendid victory when, with virtually the last kick of the game, Jack McKay broke clear down the middle and blasted his shot hard and low past the advancing Jordan and into the bottom corner.
The final whistle signalled what had been an excellent performance by a Trafford squad that had included three youngsters promoted from the Under 18’s and they will be looking to build on this on Saturday when they travel to West Didsbury and Chorlton for another pre-season friendly.
Then on Tuesday night ( July 20th ) Trafford play host to Football League outfit Salford City, kick off 7-45 pm, in front of what could well be a capacity crowd. Tickets for this game will be available on the Shocal app.