AN early goal by Trafford striker Ben Deegan separated the sides in a scrappy encounter against Irlam at Silver Street on Saturday.

On a very difficult playing surface, the visitors started brightly and Deegan struck after only five minutes when he capitalised on an error by goalkeeper Lee White to net simply from 10 yards.

Irlam were adopting an over physical approach to the game thanks to some rather weak refereeing and enjoyed some good possession without troubling the Trafford defence.

And in the 38th minute Porya Ahmadi thought he had made it two when he slotted home after a Deegan header but his effort was disallowed for offside.

Two minutes later Ahmadi was in the thick of the action once more with a great drive from 30 yards that was superbly saved by White.

Several cynical challenges by the home side made it difficult for Trafford to reproduce their free flowing football of recent weeks although Chris McDonagh was extremely unfortunate in the 75th minute when his free-kick from the edge of the area rebounded off the crossbar with Deegan blasting the rebound over the top from just six yards.

Substitute Robbie Bromley then floated a delightful cross from the right that Deegan headed inches wide and despite some late pressure by the hard working home side, Trafford’s defence held firm to record a single goal victory.

Trafford complete their programme of pre-season friendlies on Saturday when they entertain Hyde United at Shawe View, kick off 3 pm, before the ‘big kick off’ to their league campaign the following week when Brighouse Town are the visitors.

n Trafford are holding their 25th anniversary celebrations on August 7 at Hotel Football in Manchester.

If you are in contact with any former players, management staff or anybody who you think would be interested in attending the evening could you please let them know of the evening.

To enable the club to book the buffet with the Hotel we are requesting people who wish to attend the evening to pay in advance so we know the numbers.

Tickets are priced at £15 per person.

If you have any enquires please contact yours truly Dave Murray on 07551-982299