LEEK TOWN 3 TRAFFORD 0

Trafford’s young side slipped to their second defeat in the space of four days on Tuesday when they were beaten 3-0 by an experienced Leek Town outfit.

The hosts were on top in the opening minutes with danger-man Jake Avery attempting a chip from the edge of the penalty area that was tipped over by Brad Rose.

Julius Ndene miskicked completely in front of the Trafford goal and in the first attack by the visitors skipper Ally Brown did likewise from 8 yards.

Avery was causing problems with his movement up front but gradually Trafford eased their way into the game with Jack Sloan finding acres of space out on the left.

Rob Worrall was dictating play in the centre of midfield and Max Hazeldine twice went close to breaking the deadlock.
However, disaster struck in the 39th minute when Trafford switched off at a left wing corner and Aaron Opoku was allowed to head home completely unmarked.

Danny Caldecott’s side were once again on top at the start of the second half but were rocked in the 54th minute when the outstanding Will Hall, so dominant at centre back, was forced to leave the field with a nasty looking injury. Caldecott later confirmed it was a recurrence of a shoulder issue.

And eight minutes later Leek took advantage of the visitor’s misfortune when Ross Davidson released Jake Avery who held off a challenge by Tom Bentham and fired past Brad Rose.

Leek were now firmly in control and Rose made several fine saves to thwart Tom Scully, Rob Stevenson and Avery.

In the 90th minute, though, he was powerless to prevent the third goal, acrobatically parrying a thunderous drive by Opoku but seeing Avery drive home the rebound.

Speaking after the match, Danny Caldecott said: “It’s a disappointing defeat, because I thought for large spells of the game we were the better side. But when we’re conceding goals like the goals we’re conceding we are not going to win any football matches. Especially from set pieces. We have to learn - and learn fast.

“We looked like we crumbled a little bit after losing Will and then the second goal.”

Trafford will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they host Hanley Town at the Shawe View Stadium before travelling to Mossley on Bank Holiday Monday.