TRAFFORD suffered last-minute heartbreak when Scarborough striker Benny Igiehon bundled home a controversial equaliser to deny the visitors victory in Saturday's 1-1 draw.

Creative football was almost impossible on the heavy surface and the Evo-Stik First Division North clash was dominated throughout by two well-organised defences.

Jacob Hazel and Dave Merris struck two long-range shots just off target for the hosts while for Trafford Aaron Burns wasted a great position with a poor cross and debutant Craig Lindfield shot across the face of the goal just before half time.

The first clear-cut chance of the game arrived in the 55th minute when Lindfield was sent clear in the inside right position but he chipped the ball over the bar with home goalkeeper Joe Green stranded.

Trafford were now on top and on the hour Burns and Liam Brownhill worked a neat short corner but Boro scrambled the ball clear at the back post.

And from the resultant corner Andy Langford was inches away from giving his side the lead when he poked the ball wide from six yards.

Trafford midfielder Andy Keogh then struck a low, angled drive that Green saved at the second attempt before Boro right-back Jameel Ible sliced an attempted clearance inches past his own post.

In the 83rd minute Trafford were finally rewarded for their superiority when Brownhill swung a free kick in from the left, Boro failed to clear and skipper Josh Granite pounced to steer the ball inside the far post.

The points seemed to be secured for the hard-working Trafford side but in the second minute of stoppage time disaster struck when goalkeeper Terry Smith appeared to be impeded when he attempted to catch a high cross and when the ball fell loose, Igiehon pounced to net from close range.

What would have been a superb victory in difficult conditions against a big, physical side turned into a disappointing draw.

Despite this setback, Trafford remain in third place in the league and look certain to claim a play-off position.

On Saturday, Trafford entertain Tadcaster Albion at Shawe View, kick off 3pm.