TRAFFORD completed their pre-season programme with another dominant performance by drawing 1-1 against Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit Hyde United and they can head into Saturday’s opening league encounter with Brighouse Town brimming with confidence.

Tom Baker’s side should have taken the lead after just four minutes when Chris McDonagh fed Ben Deegan but the big striker’s effort from ten yards lacked power and Josh Ollerenshaw saved.

Deegan went close again in the 13th minute following a lightning fast break down the right and then a superb move five minutes later ended with a volley by debutant Jack Dorney being deflected behind for a corner.

In the 25th minute, and completely against the run of play, Hyde took the lead when a quick break down their left ended with Reece Gray curling a magnificent shot over Russ Saunders and into the top corner.

Jack Dorney then brilliantly sliced through the Hyde defence but chipped agonisingly over and the first half ended with Chris McDonagh blazing over from 15 yards as Trafford continued to dominate.

Manager Baker introduced substitutes Danny Lambert, Ash Reece and John Pritchard at the start of the second half and once more Trafford dictated the play.

Joe Shaw’s free kick from the left was pushed to safety by Ollerenshaw and from the resultant corner Ryan Ellison cleared McDonagh’s drive off the goal-line.

Another Shaw free kick floated just wide and skipper Josh Granite headed over from a great position following a right wing corner.

The high temperatures were beginning to take its toll on the players and Trafford introduced Porya ‘Rio’ Ahmadi to the proceedings.

He immediately made his presence felt with several darting runs and Trafford were finally rewarded for their superiority four minutes from time when Ollerenshaw failed to gather a Shaw corner and Ahmadi pounced to half volley home from eight yards.

The final whistle signalled another emphatic display by Baker’s Boys and they now commence their Evo Stik League Division One North fixtures with a home game on Saturday against Brighouse Town, kick off 3 pm, before travelling to Mossley on Tuesday night, kick off 7.45pm.