BRIGHOUSE TOWN 0 TRAFFORD 0

TRAFFORD produced another defensive masterclass to hold joint Evo-Stik First Division North leaders Brighouse Town to a goalless draw on a freezing Monday night.

The Yorkshiremen were on top in the opening minutes with Ryan Watson twice going close and Alex Low firing wide of the near post following a long throw.

Low headed a free kick wide in the 13th minute and both Tom Haigh and Luke Parkin fired shots straight at debutant goalkeeper Paul Phillips as the hosts sought an opening goal, but Trafford sprang into life in the 25th minute when Kingsley Williams found Aaron Burns with a delightfully weighted pass only for the league’s leading scorer to shoot weakly and allow Tom Taylor to save.

Trafford were now in control with Kingsley Williams catching the eye with a fine midfield performance and on the half-hour mark a curling free kick by Burns was pushed past the post by Taylor.

Both defences were on top in the closing minutes of the first half but just after the interval a Liam Brownhill free kick ended with Trafford skipper Josh Granite heading just wide of the upright.

Goalscoring opportunities were at a premium throughout much of the second period but in the 81st minute Trafford created a golden chance when Filose Irakoze broke down the left and fed substitute Mark Derrbyshire who rounded goalkeeper Taylor but saw his shot cleared off the line by Greg Pearson.

And two minutes from time Tom Baker’s side were awarded a free kick in a great position 20 yards from goal but Liam Brownhill’s curling effort struck the defensive wall and drifted agonisingly wide.

An intriguing encounter came to a close with a draw perhaps a fair result and now Trafford can concentrate their efforts on Saturday’s FA Trophy tie against Mickleover Sports at Shawe View, kick off 3pm.