TRAFFORD 1, ASHTON UNITED 2

Trafford’s unbeaten run in their pre-season friendlies came to an end on Saturday when they were defeated 2-1 by NPL Premier Division side Ashton United at Shawe View.
After Trafford midfielder Alfie Belcher fired over in the 5th minute, Ashton took over with Brad Abbott shooting wide from 25 yards and Kielen Adams squandering a good chance when he broke clear down the right.
Ashton player/coach and ex England ‘C’ International Sean Newton saw his back post header tipped over by Brad Rose before putting the visitors ahead in the 31st minute when he struck an exquisite curling free kick into the top corner from 30 yards.
Ashton were looking the better side as the interval approached although Alfie Belcher almost snatched an equaliser on the stroke of half-time when his low drive was deflected just wide by Cole Lonsdale.
Trafford were finding it difficult to create any clear-cut chances against the superbly well organised Ashton defence but were gifted an equaliser in the 64th minute when visiting keeper Luke Simpson misplaced a pass to Max Hazeldine who had the simplest of tasks in side-footing into the open goal.
Two minutes later Trafford should have taken the lead when more careless defending allowed Tom Bentham to gain possession just 15 yards out, the big striker teeing up Alfie Belcher whose drive was cleared off the line by George Milner.
Both teams made numerous changes midway through the second half with Ashton just the better side and they got their rewards in the 82nd minute when Louis Potts converted a deep cross from the left with a close range header.
Danny Caldecott’s side complete their preparations for the new season with a trip to Chadderton on Tuesday night before entertaining Atherton Collieries on Saturday at Shawe View. [PHOTO BY @ashtonsnapper on Twitter, with thanks]