New Mills 2 Trafford 4

TRAFFORD completed their pre-season friendly programme with a powerful second half performance, giving them a 4-2 victory, at Church Lane, on Saturday.

After Shelton Payne headed straight at home goalkeeper Peter Collinge in the opening seconds, the Millers created two great chances with James Hampson screwing a close range effort wide and Wes Bancroft firing against Tom Read when clean through.

Payne squandered a similar chance when released by Rory Fallon and Joe Shaw fired over from eight yards following a fine cross by Clevan Beadle as Trafford dominated possession.

However, as the first half wore on, there was little goalmouth action and a disappointing half came to a close with the score goalless.

There was far more urgency about Trafford’s second half performance and they took the lead in the 55th minute when Joe Shaw was pulled down in the area and Shelton Payne stepped forward to convert the resultant penalty.

Eight minutes later, a sweeping move ended with Joe Shaw glancing a diving header into the bottom corner and in the 75th minute, Payne made it three when he collected a weak back pass and coolly rounded Aaron Ashley before side-footing home.

Millers substitute Jimmy Constantine reduced the arrears with a neat volley into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area but Rory Fallon made it 4-1 when he clipped the ball past the advancing Ashley following good work by Payne.

The scoring was completed in the dying seconds when Trafford failed to clear a free kick from the left and Mike Smith pounced to volley home from 10 yards.

Trafford now turn their attentions to their opening Evo Stik Premier Division fixture on Saturday when they entertain Matlock Town at Shawe View, kick off 3pm.

Then on Tuesday night they make the journey over to Merseyside to play Marine FC, kick off 7.45pm.