RUNCORN LINNETS 0 TRAFFORD 0

Trafford produced a defensive masterclass to frustrate third placed Runcorn Linnets and earn another vital point in their fight to stave off relegation from the NPL West Division.
The first half belonged entirely to the hosts who almost took the lead after just five minutes when Trafford left back Damola Sotona under-hit a back-pass and goalkeeper Sam Booth’s attempted clearance struck Kieran Knapper before flying just wide of the near post.
Booth then tipped a deflected shot over the crossbar before Runcorn’s Jacques Welsh headed just wide as his side peppered the Trafford goal.
In the 16th minute Runcorn were awarded a penalty for a push by Trafford centre back Jordan Fagbola on Mackenzie O’Neill but Sam Booth showed his brilliance once more with a magnificent save to push Lewis Doyle’s spot kick to safety.
After that initial onslaught, Karl Marginson’s side settled into the game somewhat although Runcorn twice had rather ambitious appeals for a penalty turned down and on the stroke of half-time Trafford created their first chance of note when Niall Cummins and Matty Morgan combined, the former shooting weakly at goalkeeper Bayleigh Passant from 15 yards.
The visitors second half performance was far more composed and controlled with Scott Kay particularly prominent in the centre of midfield and in the 54th minute Tom Beckett curled a shot just over from 20 yards.
Sam Booth superbly tipped a Kieran Knapper drive over the crossbar and then saved at the feet of Will Saxon but Linnets were running out of ideas and Trafford sensed an upset.
Ally Brown replaced Sam Gill in midfield and combined with Matty Morgan to release Damola Sotona but his low shot was well held by Passant, and then Eddie Survets flashed a drive from 30 yards just past the left hand upright.
Survets saw his shot blocked in the 87th minute and then Sotona pushed forward down the left once more but his drive was again held by Passant.
An intriguing game came to a close with Trafford delighted with their point gained thanks to an outstanding performance by their central defensive pairing of Harry Norris and Jordan Fagbola, and another wonderful display by goalkeeper Sam Booth.
Trafford now turn their attentions to Tuesday night’s Manchester Premier Cup Semi Final when they travel to Hurst Cross to play NPL Premier Division side Ashton United, kick off 7-45 p.m.