Ashton United 1 Trafford 1

TRAFFORD made it six draws out of their first eight league games on Tuesday night when they battled to a hard earned point at Hurst Cross.

The visitors made a dream start when, after just five minutes, a long free kick was brilliantly controlled by Michael Oates and volleyed first time past a bewildered Paul Phillips.

Matt Chadwick and Chris Baguley went close for Ashton as they came more into the game and in the 23rd minute they levelled when Trafford could only half clear a free kick and Brad Robinson struck a magnificent drive into the top corner from 25 yards.

As half time approached the play became rather scrappy although a superb last ditch tackle by left back Lewis Chalmers kept Trafford on level terms as Chadwick bore down on goal.

Baguley struck a low drive that was saved at the foot of the post by Tom Read in the 58th minute and shortly afterwards substitute Saul Henderson flashed a header just wide of the upright as Ashton dominated.

Read produced two fine saves to deny danger an Chadwick but the best chance fell to Shelton Payne who controlled a superb pass by Chalmers but over-elaborated with just Phillips to beat and the danger was cleared.

Trafford pushed forward in the closing minutes and Nia Bayunu volleyed over following a long throw by Steve Mason.

However, deep into injury time it looked as though Trafford would collect all three points when the ball fell to Michael Oates just twelve yards out but he struck a first time shot against the post and the danger was cleared.