Trafford 0 Airbus UK Broughton 4

DESPITE the 4-0 scoreline, Trafford produced some confident, classy and composed football against their illustrious opposition from the Welsh League.

Airbus had been narrowly defeated in a Europa League fixture against Norwegian outfit FK Haugesund three weeks earlier and came into the game in peak condition. In contrast, Trafford were still eleven days away from their opening league fixture against Matlock Town but nevertheless produced a performance full of verve and skill.

Alex Brees made several darting runs down the right flank and Tom Schofield and Rory Fallon looked impressive in midfield as Trafford matched their opponents in the opening minutes.

However, in the 9th minute an old fashioned long throw, flick on and header at the back post by Glen Rule put the visitors ahead and that lead was doubled in the 21st minute when the impressive, but at times petulant, Ryan Wignall sidefooted home from 15 yards.

A thunderous volley by Schofield was held at the second attempt by Connor Wearing and Sam Freakes low drive from the right was cleared off the line by Michael Roddy as Trafford finished the first half strongly and they started the second period in an equally positive fashion with Shelton Payne curling a free kick from 25 yards just past the upright.

At the other end Airbus substitute Matty McGinn volleyed well over following a weak punch by Tom Read and then Payne went close once more with a snapshot that was saved at full length by Wearing.

In the 69th minute Jay Owen made it 3-0 with a simple tap in after Wignall tormented the home defence and two minutes later Ellis Healing should have made it four but fired wide with just Read to beat.

The scoring was completed four minutes from time when a slick move ended with Miles Hart releasing Andy Jones who shot hard and low inside the far post from the edge of the penalty area.

Trafford can take great heart from their performance as they matched their illustrious opponents for long spells and they will be hoping to start their season with a victory on August 16 when they entertain Matlock Town at Shawe View, kick off 3 p.m.