TRAFFORD produced a much-improved display at Clitheroe on Tuesday night but, despite dominating possession, had to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw.

After a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Bamber Bridge three days earlier, the visitors went into the game determined to respond and conjured up the first attempt on goal in the 15th minute when Aaron Burns' low shot was held by Chris Thompson.

Trafford manager Tom Baker had signed Jonah Gosling from Mossley on the eve of the game and he demonstrated his class and pace in the 23rd minute when he led a lightning quick break down the right, crossed hard and low and Filose Irakoze pounced to net from 15 yards.

Three minutes later Irakoze underhit a back pass that Harry Pratt seized upon but was denied by a brave save by Luke Pilling.

But the hosts were level in the 27th minute when Liam Brownhill carelessly conceded possession, Lee Neville lost his footing and Bradley Carroll swept the ball into the bottom corner.

On the stroke of half time Trafford were desperately unfortunate not to regain the lead when Gosling clipped the ball against the bar from close range and somehow failed to force home the rebound.

The second half was fast and furious, end-to-end football but defence dominated and neither goalkeeper was tested.

Gosling was once again the star performer with some fine runs and great crosses that Trafford failed to capitalise upon.

And it wasn’t until the 89th minute that either side had a chance of note, Burns curling a shot just wide from the edge of the penalty area before Irakoze broke clear down the left but chose to cross rather than shoot.

A fascinating tussle came to a close with Trafford’s management team delighted with their performance and they now go into Saturday’s Evo-Stik First Division North fixture at Mossley with renewed confidence.

Meanwhile, Trafford have signed a major two-year shirt sponsorship deal with local company Total Outsourcing.

The company, which also has close ties with Trafford FC's youth teams, has offices in Sale and Glasgow and deals in financial and accountancy matters.

Company director Joanne Breen and her husband, CEO Simon, said: “We are delighted to be associated with a club of the stature of Trafford FC.

"It is an organisation that caters superbly for the local community and engenders a wonderful family atmosphere.”