TRAFFORD produced another spirited and skilful performance against FC United of Manchester on Tuesday night but were beaten by a Matt Walwyn winner two minutes from time.

Tom Baker’s side were the dominant force in the opening stages and should have taken the lead in the seventh minute when Mark Derbyshire fired against the bar from just eight yards.

Home keeper Russ Saunders then produced a brave block to thwart Sam Sheridan in the 24th minute and shortly afterwards a fine run by Derbyshire ended with visiting goalkeeper Dylan Forth palming the ball to safety.

The play became rather scrappy as half time approached but in the dying seconds Kyle Jacobs curled a magnificent drive from 35 yards that shaved the outside of the post.

The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark when Kingsley Williams controlled Jacobs' long, lofted pass and played the ball into the path of Derbyshire who thrashed it home from 15 yards.

However, Trafford’s joy was shortlived as United equalised just two minutes later, George Thomson capitalising on a weak punch by Saunders to net from close range.

Nathan Lowe then blasted a shot against the bar as Trafford appeared to tire but they were perhaps unfortunate to concede a late winner when a shot from the left was deflected to Walwyn who nodded the ball gleefully into the open goal.

Trafford’s preparations for the forthcoming season are concluded tomorrow night when Blackburn Rovers Under-21s are the visitors to Shawe View for a 7.45pm kick off.

The league campaign gets under way on Saturday, August 13 when they entertain Burscough, kick off 3pm.