TRAFFORD 2, NORTHWICH 5

Trafford were crushed 5-2 as 1874 Northwich belied their lowly league position with a superb display of attacking football.
The visitors started the game confidently, forcing Trafford to defend desperately at times, and it was against the run of play that the hosts took the lead in the 16th minute, Max Hazeldine coolly converting from the penalty spot following a trip on Alfie Belcher.
Mark Jones flashed a header just wide as the visitors battled to get back on level terms and Trafford keeper Matty Cooper produced a good save to deny Michael Koral.
‘74’s left winger Mackenzie O’Neill was a constant threat out on his flank and in the 24th minute he saw his shot from 15 yards deflected behind off James Neild.
The visitors were finally rewarded for their adventurous approach in the 38th minute when they were awarded a free kick 20 yards out and Lucas Weir stepped forward to blast the ball into the bottom corner.
Trafford continued to struggle to play with any fluency as the second half began and they were fortunate in the 48th minute when Joseph Woolley’s long range effort was ruled out for offside.
However, just four minutes later Woolley struck a magnificent left-footed drive that flew past Cooper and into the top corner to send the large contingent of visiting fans wild with delight.
In the 59th minute Trafford mounted an attack down the right flank and when the cross was played beyond the back post, Connor Hughes arrived to smack an absolute rocket of a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-2.
Despite this, Northwich continued to dominate and regained their lead just three minutes later, Mackenzie O’Neill forcing the ball home following a cross from the right by Jake Parker.
Lucas Weir then crashed a magnificent 25 yard free kick against the crossbar and Trafford fought back briefly with Connor Hughes volleying over and Jack Sloan cracking a drive that was tipped over by Tony Aghayere.
In the 72nd minute a shocking defensive mix-up between Sloan and Aidan Roxburgh allowed Ashley Woods to break clear and place the ball past Cooper to make it 4-2. Things went from bad to worse for Trafford when Keil O’Brien scythed down Jake Parker in the 81st minute, received a red card, and Matthew Woolley slotted the resultant penalty past Matty Cooper.
A disastrous afternoon for Danny Caldecott’s young side came to a close with them finishing with nine men as all three substitutes had been used and Max Hazeldine was forced to leave the field with a leg injury.
Trafford must now attempt to put this defeat behind them and get back to winning ways on Saturday when they travel to Clitheroe, kick off 3 p.m.