TRAFFORD 0 VAUXHALL MOTORS 1

Trafford’s mini-revival under new manager Karl Marginson came to an end on Saturday when they were defeated 1-0 by a powerful, determined and well-organised Vauxhall side at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium.
Marginson’s side were uncharacteristically sloppy in the first half, perhaps due to over-confidence following three excellent wins in the space of a week, and fell behind in the 11th minute when Motors midfielder Ben Holmes drove home from the edge of the penalty area.
Trafford’s left winger Abet Zazai was showing some great skills out on his flank and went close in the 30th minute when he skipped past a defender but saw his shot saved by Alex Hughes.
At the other end, Brad Rose comfortably dealt with efforts by George Nugent and Sean Moscrop and was relieved to see Joe Brandon fire across the face of his goal as the visitors dominated.
However, Trafford finished the half on top with their appeals for a penalty falling on deaf ears as Zazai appeared to be pushed to the ground and then Eddie Survets blasting well over from just 15 yards.
The hosts upped the tempo at the start of the second half with Mike Burke and Ally Brown both squandering half-chances and Rob Worrall curling a 25 yard free kick just wide of the right hand post.
But Vauxhall were showing tremendous determination and self-discipline in their defending and goalkeeper Hughes was rarely troubled as Trafford became increasingly frustrated.
Eddie Survets screwed a shot well wide in the 75th minute but allowed his frustrations to get the better of him just a minute later when he was sent off for a reckless challenge on a Vauxhall defender.
The ten men of Trafford battled spiritedly to salvage something from the game but once again the visitors held firm, the best chance of the closing minutes falling to Vauxhall skipper Tom Mitchell whose low drive was held at full length by Brad Rose.
Speaking after the game, Marginson said more imagination is required in the final third when facing well-drilled opposition.
A disappointing and rather scrappy game, played in front of a crowd of just under 450, came to a close with the visitors deserving of the three points and Trafford looking forward to make amends this coming Saturday when they travel to play league leaders Prescot Cables.