Clitheroe 2-2 Trafford 03/10/2020

Clitheroe’s winning start came to an end but the Blues twice hit back to remain unbeaten in the league in an enthralling draw.
At a rain-soaked and slippery Shawbridge, the Blues produced a resilient display to claim a point which moved the hosts up to fourth in the Northern Premier League North-West division.

But David Lynch’s men had to do it the hard way as unbeaten Trafford stunned a ferocious Blues crowd, claiming an early lead.
Max Hazeldine’s deflected shot drifted past Chris Thompson in the Clitheroe goal to leave the hosts reeling after four minutes.
Hazeldine was later unlucky not to add to his tally as a moment of miscommunication left the striker one on one but couldn’t find the back of the net.
The goal sparked the hosts into life and the Blues were unlucky not to equalise. Trafford keeper Matt Cooper fumbled a shot from Eddie Maeico and the ball was quickly pounced on by Terry Cummings, who fired past Cooper before the assistant referee flagged him offside.

Cummings didn’t have to wait long for his goal, though, as he found the back of the net again on the stroke of half-time to level, firing home following another slip from Cooper who was unable to gather a Kielen Adams effort. After a tense start to the second period, Hazeldine sent Trafford back into the lead from the penalty spot, leaving the hosts with another comeback to mount in the final 30 minutes.

And Clitheroe’s response was emphatic as substitute Connor Gaul was fouled in the penalty area before picking himself up to slot home from the spot. The Blues were then in firm control as they came close to grabbing a winning as a vicious Danny Pilkington free-kick was fumbled by Cooper.
But the Trafford keeper then saved his side a point as he produced a superb save to deny Pilkington’s fellow substitute Craig Hobson at the back post to deprive Clitheroe the chance to extend their 100 per cent record right at the death.

Team : Chris Thompson, Markell Foulds, Cole Lonsdale, Gary Stopforth, James Mutton, Billy Priestley (c), Braulio Maieco (Conor Gaul), Ross Dent (Danny Pilkington), Kielen Adams (Craig Hobson), Danny Wilkins, Terry Cummins. Subs - Conor Gaul, Danny Pilkington, Craig Hobson. Not used - Kieran Feeney, Chris Smalley.