TRAFFORD had to settle for a home point as a youthful and spirited Skelmersdale United side belied their lowly Evo-Stik North position with an impressive performance to draw 2-2 last Saturday.

After a defence-dominated opening, Trafford assumed control with Aaron Burns blasting a half volley in the 27th minute that was well saved by Callum Roberts.

Three minutes later the hosts forged ahead when a long ball out of defence by Keil O’Brien found Sean Miller on the left and his fine first-time pass allowed Burns a simple tap-in from four yards.

Home keeper Grant Shenton then produced a brilliant save to tip over a James Barrigan thunderbolt as Skem sought the equaliser and Scott Bakkor squandered a great chance by firing into the side-netting.

However, the visitors were rewarded four minutes before the interval when a slick move down the left ended with a flighted cross to the back post where Jordan Darr arrived to volley past Shenton.

Trafford showed much greater urgency as the second half began, obviously stung by some harsh words by manager Tom Baker, and in the 47th minute Burns saw his goalbound header cleared off the line by Phil Mooney.

And two minutes later Ally Brown restored the home side’s advantage with a soaring back-post header following a great cross by Lee Neville.

The ebb and flow of the game continued with Skem once again battling manfully to get back into the game with Darr making a number of electrifying runs into the home penalty area.

But it was a scrappy goal that brought them level in the 58th minute when Trafford failed to clear a right-wing corner and the ball fell to Mooney who fired home from close range.

Trafford introduced substitutes Danny Frost and Declan Rydings into the fray and within two minutes Frost made his presence felt when he headed onto the top of the bar following another Neville cross.

At the other end Shenton produced two more fine saves to thwart Bakkor and Barrigan and in the 83rd minute Trafford substitute Darius Palma saw a goal ruled out by a marginal offside decision.

Skem finished the game slightly the stronger and after Shenton blocked a Wade Joyce shot from close range, substitute Tunde Owalabi cut in from the right but thankfully for the hosts, he fired into the side-netting.

On Saturday, Trafford are in action once more at the First Point Shawe View Stadium when they entertain Tadcaster Albion, kick off 3pm.