(Picture by Steve Dyson via Glossop North End FC Twitter)

Trafford gained a welcome point at Glossop with a strong performance that steadied the ship somewhat after two successive league defeats.

Trafford started the game with plenty of energy, the lively Olly Ford on the right of the attack creating some good early chances for the visitors. As the first half developed, the home side gained a foothold, and large parts of the contest became a war of attrition. Trafford’s centre midfielders Astley Mulholland and Jack Dorney worked hard to retain possession, and Harry Norris had perhaps Trafford’s best chance when he headed a corner over the bar just before the half hour mark.

At the other end, Glossop had their chances – largely via the rapid counter attack – but Trafford ‘keeper Conor Robson made some brave saves at feet. In front of him, Norris and his centre back partner Glenn Johnson protected the Trafford goal with calmness and aggression in equal measure. Matthews in particular caught the eye with one or two excellent recovery tackles and a crucial flying defensive header just before the break.

The second half was a scrappy affair at times, but Trafford continued to create openings – Saj Elhassan in particular gaining some joy on the left wing. On 63 minutes a glorious floated pass from Dorney found Elhassan who tricked his marker and sent a wonderful low cross right into the danger zone, but it evaded everyone – both attackers and defenders.

The last quarter of the game saw both teams working hard to try and find a winner. Trafford had the better of it, but Glossop created one or two chances which Matthews and Norris had to deal with. Trafford’s best chance fell to Elhassan who lofted a shot over the defence, but it lacked any great power and was easily caught by Glossop’s goalkeeper Morgan Bacon.

In the end Danny Caldecott will be pleased with the point, and doubly pleased with the resilience his young team showed in what was a tough away tie at the end of a busy bank holiday weekend. The team are next in action at home on Tuesday 6th September when Mossley are the visitors, kick off 7.45pm.