TRAFFORD fell an agonising two points short of an Evo-Stik First Division North play-off spot on Saturday following their 1-1 draw at Ossett Town, ending the season in a creditable but ultimately frustrating sixth place.

Creative football was virtually impossible on the hard, uneven surface and Trafford were given an early scare when a glancing header by Alex Peterson flew past visiting keeper Terry Smith but was ruled out for offside.

There was little goalmouth action as both sides resorted to long balls, Trafford’s first attempt on goal falling in the 24th minute when Jack Dorney struck a drive from 20 yards just past the upright.

In the final minute of a disappointing first half Ossett striker Danny Frost blasted a low shot from 25 yards that was pushed around the post by Smith.

The hosts started the second half on top with Jason Yates twice going close, firing just wide from the edge of the penalty area and then heading straight at Smith from eight yards.

And in the 52nd minute disaster struck for Trafford when they were caught napping as Ossett took a quick throw, the ball was whipped in from the right and Tyrone Gay timed his run to perfection to turn the ball past Smith.

Trafford were now up against it and manager Tom Baker introduced substitutes Andy Keogh, Ally Brown and Kingsley Williams in an attempt to force their way back into the game.

But the home defence, marshalled by the impressive Gay, looked impenetrable and in the 83rd minute Ossett should have doubled their lead when Frost broke clear but chipped the ball over the advancing Smith and over the bar.

In the 90th minute Trafford were thrown a lifeline when Liam Brownhill swung over a corner from the right and Lee Neville rose superbly to power a header past Leigh Overton.

The magnificent Trafford supporters roared on their players in pursuit of an unlikely winner and Brownhill struck a powerful drive from the edge of the area that was blocked by Yates.

But it was not to be and the final whistle signalled the end of a season that had promised so much but had ultimately fallen just short for Baker’s Boys.

* Trafford is holding a sportsman's evening at Davyhulme Park Golf Club on Friday, June 9. The guest speaker is ex-Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Everton and England international Duncan McKenzie with comedian Dusty Young. Further details can be obtained by contacting Dave Law on 07772 287086.