TRAFFORD secured a place in the second round of the Integro League Cup on Tuesday night with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Skelmersdale United after the match ended 3-3.

Tom Baker’s side, who had beaten the same opposition 5-1 at home in the league on Saturday, dominated possession throughout and took a deserved lead in the 25th minute when debutant Joe Thompson turned neatly on the edge of the penalty area and side-footed into the bottom corner.

As half time approached, Trafford’s play became a little sloppy and when Ross Davidson conceded a free kick 25 yards from goal, midfielder Will Dunn flighted a superb curling effort into the top corner to make it 1-1.

In the 51st minute the impressive Thompson tormented the defence on the left and fed Declan Rydings who was unceremoniously bundled to the floor by Michael Roddy.

Matty Crothers stepped forward to coolly place the resulting penalty past Terry Smith.

The visitors were once more in cruise control but were punished for their complacency when Sean Yeldrem poked the ball past Matty Cooper for the equaliser.

Terry Smith produced a brilliant save in the 84th minute to thwart Joe Thompson but Trafford thought they had won the tie in the 89th minute when Chris Palmer crossed from the left and substitute Mark Derbyshire headed neatly into the bottom corner from six yards.

However, two minutes into injury time Alex Griffiths collected the ball 30 yards out and blasted a fantastic drive into the top corner to send the tie to penalties.

Matty Cooper denied Roddy and Moore with two reflex saves to his right and it was fitting that Joe Thompson coolly placed his penalty into the bottom corner to put Trafford through to the next round.

Trafford travel to Ashton United on Saturday for an FA Cup second qualifying round tie before making the short journey to Ramsbottom United on Tuesday for an Evo Stik League West Division fixture.

Trafford FC are holding a Sportspersons Evening at Davyhulme Park Golf Club on Friday, October 12. The guest speaker will be ex-Premier League referee Jeff Winter and the comedian Don Reid. For further details contact David Law on 07772 287086.