The last time these two teams faced off, in April of last season, Trafford emerged victorious. This time around, Clitheroe were aiming to get one over on them. Trafford, after losing their opening game against Darlaston last week, were aiming to kickstart their campaign with a win at The Loom Loft Stadium. However, Clitheroe were riding high on the back of their victory over Shifnal and wanted to make home advantage count with this game being the only home fixture of the month.

Clitheroe started on top with an early chance from a corner in the fourth minute when the ball was played to Leon Creech in the box, but he blazed it over the bar.

However, somewhat against the run of play, Trafford took the lead with a superb free kick taken by Jerome Wright that was tipped over the wall and beyond the reach of James McClenaghan in the 23rd minute.

Clitheroe retaliated shortly after in the 24th minute when Veron Parny received the ball out on the right wing and managed to place a wonderful low cross to Creech, who tapped home his first of the season.

With this equaliser, Clitheroe found confidence and began dominating the game. This was shown with a free kick in the 30th minute from Jake Carroll, who curled a free kick around the wall but was saved by an outstretched Ollie Culkin at the far post.

The Blues were forced into an early substitution in the 32nd minute as Dylan Dwyer was taken off and replaced by Wilkins.

This change proved to be pivotal as Wilkins grabbed the lead for Clitheroe shortly after in the 36th minute when Cameron Bell found a yard of space on the right and played a lofted through ball to Wilkins, who controlled it brilliantly before lobbing an onrushing Culkin on the half-volley.

Half-Time: Clitheroe 2-1 Trafford FC

Into the second half, Clitheroe, now brimming with confidence, continued to pile on the pressure as Creech almost grabbed his 2nd of the game in the 50th minute with a low effort across the goal that was saved by Culkin.

With the lead narrow and the game coming to a close, Trafford began to try and salvage something from the game, but crucial blocks from Ross Dent and Carroll in the 72nd and 80th minute helped The Blues maintain their lead.

Carroll came to the rescue once more in the 87th minute with an unbelievable goal-line clearance to enable Clitheroe to take all 3 points.

Full Time: Clitheroe 2-1 Trafford FC