TRAFFORD exited the FA Trophy after visitors Ramsbottom United came from behind to win 2-1 at Shawe View on Saturday.

Despite the gale-force conditions, both teams defied the elements to produce some excellent football and the hosts made the perfect start when, after just three minutes, Jimmy Moore released Aaron Burns who outpaced the Rammy defence and slotted the ball past the advancing Sam Ashton.

Play swung from end to end and Trafford had a miraculous escape in the 27th minute when Keil O’Brien misdirected a back pass and Nick Evangelinos fed Eddie Moran, but with a goal appearing certain Matt Cooper saved the day with a fine block.

However, just two minutes later Rammy atoned for that miss with the equaliser when the ball was flighted in from the left and Nialle Rodney rose to head in unmarked at the back post.

There were few chances for the remainder of the first half with Trafford centre back Sam Heathcote coming the closest with a free kick from 20 yards that flew inches wide.

Six minutes into the second half Rammy were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Trafford penalty area and Tom Kennedy completely deceived goalkeeper Cooper when he clipped the ball over the wall and into the bottom right-hand corner to put the visitors ahead.

Two minutes later Cooper did brilliantly to push a Rodney free kick to safety, while at the other end Burns headed a Ross Davidson cross just wide.

Kyle Jacobs struck a thunderbolt from 30 yards just over as Rammy sought a third but the final 20 minutes belonged entirely to Trafford as they laid siege on the visitors' goal.

Rammy defended brilliantly as the hosts won corner after corner and in the 81st minute Burns was desperately unfortunate not to level when he glanced a Chris Palmer cross inches past the upright.

Ashton then tipped a cross-shot by Burns over the bar and in the dying seconds Mark Derbyshire released Burns but the leading goalscorer blasted over.

Despite giving their all, Trafford were unable to snatch an equaliser and their attention now turns to Saturday’s Evo-Stik West encounter with Colwyn Bay at the First Point Shawe View Stadium, kick off 3pm.