TRAFFORD 0, CITY OF LIVERPOOL FC 1

TRAFFORD 0, CITY OF LIVERPOOL 1 (Northern Premier League, 2nd March 2024)

A scrappy, rain and mud affected contest saw City of Liverpool claim three points in a game where Trafford’s goal led a charmed life. With half of the afternoon’s fixtures elsewhere in the NPL West postponed due to waterlogged pitches, the driving rain in Urmston did not provide for good conditions at Shawe View, and quality/entertainment values were low.

Trafford’s keeper Sam Booth performed heroics, making several crucial saves, whilst the first half also saw two CoL goals chalked out for infringements. The Visitor’s Elliot Morris was a constant thorn in Trafford’s side down the right flank, and it wasn’t until the 22nd minute when Niall Cummins headed a Damola Sotona left wing cross wide that the home side had a clear chance.

Trafford came out of the blocks at the start of the 2nd period, Ollie Irwin and Eddie Servuts having good chances, but Liverpool continued to make headway. They won a penalty in the 72nd minute which Josh Quarless blasted over the bar, but it was only a matter of time before The Purps scored. This came on 78 minutes when a City corner was cleared by Trafford only for the Liverpudlian’s substitute Danny Mitchley to hit the clearance from the edge of the box straight into the top corner.

Trafford’s attempts to get back into the game were not helped by some occasionally odd refereeing decisions, but officials aside, Karl Marginson’s team were generally 2nd best against one of the division’s recent form teams. There was plenty of endeavour from Trafford to try and find a late equaliser – something they have done many times this season – but chances for Jerome Wright and Servuts again, were blocked.

Trafford remain 8 points clear of the relegation zone, so subject to some resilient, points-winning performances over the remaining 8 games of the season, Margy’s team should be able to avoid the drop quite handsomely. Their next fixture is away at Widnes on March 16th, whilst March 23rd sees them back at Shawe View to entertain 1874 Northwich.