TRAFFORD returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory in a scrappy encounter at Radcliffe on Saturday.

Creative football was difficult on an uneven playing surface and in blustery conditions and there was very little goalmouth action in the opening half hour.

The best chance in that period fell to Borough’s Declan Fletcher following a careless pass by Danny Shannon but fortunately for the visitors, the home striker screwed his shot wide from 10 yards.

The game burst into action in the 33rd minute when Ben Wharton was tripped and from the resultant penalty Trafford keeper Andy Robertson threw himself to his left to save John Hardiker’s rather weak effort.

Two minutes later Borough were reduced to ten men when veteran midfielder Darren Sheridan clashed with Gareth Thomas and was immediately shown the red card.

Despite this, Borough finished the half the stronger with Shaun Connor heading weakly at Robertson from eight yards and Lee Woodyatt blasting well wide from just inside the penalty area.

The second half belonged almost entirely to Trafford as they lay siege on the home goal with the wind, slope and extra man in their favour.

Simon Carden drove wide from 15 yards, Shaun Connor brilliantly cleared an Andy Smart effort off the goal line and Joe Shaw’s low drive from the rebound was blocked by the hard pressed home defence.

Oates, Smart and Thomas all struck long range drives just off target but the deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute when Kamahl Whight burst past two defenders down the middle and steered the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.

Trafford pushed forward in search of further goals with Farrell Kilbane volleying into the side-netting, Michael Oates being denied by another goal-line clearance and Danny Shannon carelessly blasting over from close range.

Former Trafford keeper Martin Campbell was in inspired form for the home side, producing superb saves to thwart Joe Shaw and Kamahl Whight and despite enjoying the majority of the possession Trafford were unable to add to their lead.

Nevertheless the visitors were delighted to collect the points following two defeats and a draw from their previous three games and they will go in to Saturday’s game at league leaders AFC Fylde with renewed confidence.

Sportsmen’s evening A few tickets are still available for Trafford FC’s Sportsmen’s evening at Flixton Golf Club on April 13.

Guest speaker is former Leeds United and England player Norman Hunter, comedian is Billy Bean and compere, former Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote.

Further details are available from David Law on 07772 287086.