Skelmersdale United 3 Trafford 0
TRAFFORD had no answer to the pace and finishing power of the young Merseysiders and but for the heroics of goalkeeper Andy Robertson the margin of defeat could have been even greater.
Both sides played some delightful football in the opening minutes with Shelton Payne looking dangerous for the visitors and Connor McCarthy going close for Skem with a thunderous drive from 20 yards that rattled the crossbar.
Payne then wasted a great position after bursting free down the right and after Trafford carelessly conceded possession in midfield, Skem took the lead after 14 minutes when Mike Simpson struck a magnificent curling shot from 25 yards into the top corner.
Andy Robertson then saved a Kenny Strickland free kick at the foot of the post before parrying a first time effort by Danny Mitchley following a quick free kick.
At the other end Michael Oates squandered a great chance when Martin Fearon saved with his feet and the first half ended with another lightning quick break by Skem in which McCarthy saw his shot palmed away by the under pressure Robertson.
Oates was wasteful once more in the 55th minute when he cut in from the right but crossed beyond the far post and in the 66th minute the home side doubled their lead when Peter Wylie struck a thunderous drive from 20 yards into the bottom corner following another incisive move.
Two minutes later it could have been three when McCarthy broke clear but was denied by a great save by Robertson and Trafford then wasted another scoring opportunity when Payne fired wide of the near post after a short corner.
Robertson produced another fine save to thwart Danny Mitchley from point blank range in the 73rd minute but was powerless to prevent Skem taking a 3-0 lead just a minute later when Mitchley combined neatly with Curtis Thompson and volleyed gleefully home from ten yards.
Both sides continued to push forward but the final whistle arrived to signal the end of an entertaining game that had been highlighted by the sheer pace of the Skelmersdale attacks.
Trafford will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they entertain Nantwich Town at Shawe View, kick off 3 p.m.
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