A battling, backs-to-the-wall performance allied to some sheer good fortune paved the way for Trafford’s 1-0 win over Widnes on Saturday, a victory that moves them up into seventh place in the NPL West Division.
Widnes were on top from the start with a speculative shot from Sharif Deans rebounding off the crossbar in the 9th minute as the home defence lead a charmed life.
However, with their first meaningful attack, and completely against the run of play, Trafford took the lead in the 13th minute when Hilal Khan released Rio Clegg with a defence splitting pass, Clegg coolly placing his shot past the advancing Mark Halstead.
Clegg almost made it two four minutes later with a sensational effort from just inside his own half, spotting Halstead off his line and firing a magnificent effort that flew inches over the crossbar.
Hilal Khan was revealing some sublime touches in midfield but defences were generally on top for the remainder of the first half, the only chance of note falling to Rio Clegg in injury time when he collected a great crossfield pass by Jerome Wright and blasted over from 15 yards.
Karl Marginson’s side made a strong start to the second half with full back Damola Sotona weaving his way through the Widnes defence before seeing his shot saved by Halstead.
Jerome Wright’s surging run down the left ended with a rasping drive into the side-netting before the visitors began to take control and push forward in search of the equaliser.
In the 53rd minute Trafford skipper Sean Higgins carelessly conceded possession deep inside his own half but retrieved the situation with a magnificent block on his goal-line.
Three minutes later Higgins performed more heroics when he scampered back to conjure up two more stunning goal-line clearances as Widnes poured forward.
Manager Marginson made three substitutions in an attempt to stem the tide but still the visitors dominated, Louis Isherwood heading against the post in the 70th minute.
Home keeper Sam Booth pushed another Isherwood header past the upright, Trafford introduced their two remaining substitutes and in the 88th minute Rio Clegg struck another audacious shot from fully 45 yards that keeper Halstead fumbled past the post.
Widnes winger James Steele volleyed over as the visitors fought desperately for the equaliser and three minutes into injury time Niall Battersby thundered a drive from 15 yards that rattled Booth’s right hand post.
The Trafford defence, superbly marshalled by Jordan Fagbola, somehow managed to weather the storm and so made it two wins from three in an impressive start to the 24-25 season.
On Monday Trafford travel to play Stalybridge Celtic before hosting Hanley Town at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium on Saturday, both games kicking off at 3 p.m.