Coming into this match, Clitheroe were riding high on the back of their impressive victory away at Runcorn Linnets last weekend. A win at Trafford would have seen them cling on to their slim playoff chances.

Both teams came out swinging, with chances at either end of the field for Rio Clegg and Leon Creech in the first 5 minutes.

The big turning point of the game came early on in the 10th minute when Danny Wilkins was shown a straight red after a suspected elbow to the head of Jerome Wright while challenging for a header.

However, a great chance came for Clitheroe in the 21st minute as Jake Connelly put in an excellent cross that found an unmarked Creech who saw his attempt saved by Ollie Culkin.

Trafford grabbed the lead in the 27th minute as the ball fell to Rio Clegg who fired home from close range to make it 1-0.

Half Time: Trafford 1-0 Clitheroe.

In the second half, Clitheroe started well with a great chance from Creech in the 47th minute when he flashed the ball across the Trafford goal but no one was able to convert.

Trafford doubled their lead in the 71st minute after Clegg scored his second of the game from a penalty to make it 2-0.
However, Clitheroe brought themselves right back into the game in the 73rd minute with a superb solo goal from substitute Luke Gill who danced through the Trafford defence and slotted it home to make it 2-1.

Another great chance for Clitheroe arrived in the 77th minute when a beautifully weighted free kick from Jake Carroll found the boot of Cameron Lancaster who fired the ball just over the bar.

Trafford had the opportunity to grab a third from a free kick but it was saved emphatically by debutant James McClenaghan in the 80th minute.

Full Time: Trafford 2-1 Clitheroe.

Sean McConville’s side aim to return to winning ways next weekend at home against City of Liverpool.