TRAFFORD 1 STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 2

Trafford’s dreams of Wembley were extinguished on Saturday when they were defeated 2-1 by Stalybridge Celtic in their FA Trophy First Qualifying Tie.
Both teams struggled to come to terms with the searing heat although Celtic almost snatched an early lead when Jordan Burton’s shot took a wicked deflection that home keeper Brad Rose brilliantly tipped past the post.
At the other end Mike Burke just failed to convert an Alfie Belcher cross at the near post before disaster struck in the 11th minute when Celtic striker Aaron Dwyer burst through with Trafford vainly appealing for offside and coolly slipped the ball past the onrushing Rose.
In the 21st minute Trafford’s appeals for a penalty when a Jack Dorney chip appeared to be handled fell on deaf ears and Will Hall should have done better when he headed another Belcher cross over from ten yards.
Tom Bentham saw his goal-bound header cleared off the line by Lucas Cook as Trafford pushed for the equaliser but they were rocked once again in the 36th minute when a Celtic attempt on goal struck Will Hall on the shoulder and flew past Brad Rose for an own goal that made it 2-0.
Things could have been even worse for Danny Caldecott’s team when a magnificent drive from 20 yards by Joe Edwards cannoned back into play off the right hand post.
Despite the two goal deficit, Trafford fought with great spirit throughout the second half and substitute Demi Rhami should have reduced the arrears in the 52nd minute when he was released by Alfie Belcher, took the ball around goalkeeper Luke Hewitson but fired into the side-netting.
At the other end, ex-Trafford striker Matty Bryan broke clear for Celtic but was denied by a great save at point blank range by Brad Rose and a minute later Trafford midfielder Rob Worrall struck a fierce half-volley that was parried by Hewitson.
Trafford continued to commit players forward and Mike Burke squandered a great chance in the 62nd minute when he lifted the ball tamely into Hewitson’s hands from close range.
Tom Bentham saw his shot easily gathered in the 76th minute but made amends ten minutes later when he collected a long ball out of defence by Will Hall and advanced to slot the ball past Hewitson and set up a grandstand finish.
However, the well-drilled Celtic defence held firm to deny Trafford any further goal-scoring opportunities and were worthy winners of a tie played in sweltering conditions.