TRAFFORD fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of league leaders and champions elect Droylsden at the Butchers Arms on Saturday.

The home side were the dominant force from the outset, eager to avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered at Shawe View a fortnight ago and twice within the opening five minutes leading goalscorer Lee Cooper had goals disallowed for offside.

Trafford centre half Billy McCartney was magnificent at the heart of the visitors defence whilst behind him goalkeeper Jim O'Donnell once again revealed his class with some fine saves.

Droylsden winger Kinney went close with a stunning volley in the 18th minute and five minutes later Trafford

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striker Darren Emmett drove inches wide from 25 yards.

O'Donnell came to his teams' rescue twice in the closing minutes of the first half to thwart a Holmes snapshot from 10 yards and a piledriver by Waring to earn tumultous applause from the large and enthusiastic crowd.

Five minutes into the second period, the league leaders broke the deadlock when Trafford full back David Lowe handled and Holmes stepped forward to ram the penalty into the roof of the net.

Six minutes later the dangerous Kinney crossed from the left and Jones headed neatly into the bottom corner to make the score 2-0 and leave Trafford with a monumental task.

As a spectacle, the game appeared to fizzle out with Droylsden happy to sit on their 2-0 lead whilst Trafford seemed intent on damage limitation. All six substitutes were used and there were very few goalmouth incidents of any note.

On Saturday, Trafford travel to play Lincoln United and then next Tuesday, Witton Albion visit Shawe View for a Unibond League Division One game kicking off at 7.30pm.

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