Trafford’s dreams of Wembley were extinguished on Saturday when they were beaten by National League North side Darlington in an exciting game at the Home Estates Shawe View Stadium.
It was clear from the outset that Trafford’s plan was to sit deep, defend in depth, frustrate their opponents and catch them on the break, tactics that had worked to perfection in their League Cup Final victory over Farsley Celtic last May.
And for long spells in the first half Tom Baker’s side did just that, with Darlington failing to create any clear-cut chances until disaster struck in the 38th minute.
Darlo striker Adam Campbell collected the ball out on the right and floated a rather innocuous looking cross to the back post, and as the Trafford defence failed to react, Stephen Thompson rose to head unchallenged past Matty Cooper.
In the 55th minute Cooper produced a superb reflex save to thwart Campbell following a great move by the visitors and just a minute later Trafford’s Toyeeb Mustapha volleyed over after good work by Jake Kenny.
In the 62nd minute the hosts introduced substitute Darius Palma to the fray and he made an immediate impact, volleying past Chris Elliott from 12 yards after Darlo failed to clear a cross from the right.
Trafford’s magnificent supporters sensed an upset but they were rocked just three minutes later when Matty Cooper spilled a low free kick by Thompson and dangerman Adam Campbell pounced to crash the ball home from close range.
Ross Davidson flashed a header wide following a Tom Schofield corner as Trafford sought an equaliser but it was the visitors who finished the stronger with substitute Justin Donowa twice going close before wrapping up the tie in the 88th minute with a soaring back post header to make it 3-1.
Trafford now return to league action with home fixtures against City of Liverpool on Tuesday night, kick off 7-45 p.m. followed by Dunston on Saturday at 3 p.m. By Dave Law