TRAFFORD continued their impressive pre-season form with an excellent 2-2 draw against mighty Altrincham at Shawe View on Tuesday evening.

Home midfielder Joe Shaw twice went close in the opening minutes with a free kick into the wall and an audacious shot from fully 40 yards that landed on the roof of the net.

Trafford’s superiority in the opening stages was rewarded in the 8th minute when Chris McDonagh neatly laid the ball into the path of Jake Cottrell who fired past Tim Deasy.

Tom Baker’s side looked hungrier and were quicker to the ball although Alty’s powerhouse striker Michael Rankine was a constant threat and blasted over in the 27th minute following a neat move.

Just before half time, Joe Shaw skipped past three visiting defenders but shot just over whilst at the other end, Damian Reeves saw his low drive from close range charged down by Danny Caldecott.

Altrincham manager Lee Sinnott obviously laid into his players at half time for a generally lacklustre display and they started the second period in a far more determined and committed manner.

And they found themselves level in the 50th minute when a deep cross from the left was met by a soaring header from Josh O’Keefe that keeper Matt Green just failed to keep out.

However, within a minute Trafford were ahead once more when the rejuvenated Chris McDonagh brilliantly dribbled past three defenders and fired inside the far corner.

Joe Shaw then just failed to connect with a Mark Haslam cross before Matt Green produced a fine fingertip save to turn Damian Reeves shot past the post.

Altrincham were now dominating but the Trafford defence, superbly marshalled by the magnificent Caldercott, were holding out before disaster struck in the 81st minute when another cross from the left was headed home by Damian Reeves to make it 2-2.

James Lawrie and Josh O’Keefe were both denied by fine saves by Green and in the dying seconds Chris McDonagh almost snatched the winner for the Shawe View men but shot straight at Deasy following a great run by John Pritchard.

Trafford continue their preparations for the forthcoming season on Saturday when they travel to Irlam FC, kick off 3 p.m.