A MISSED penalty by Lewis Salmon after just seven minutes cost Trafford dearly as they were held to a goalless draw by Colne at the Home Estates Shawe View Stadium.

A bright opening saw two attack minded teams pushing forward at every opportunity and when Salmon broke clear, visiting goalkeeper Hakan Burton pulled him down but then redeemed himself with a brilliant save from the resultant spot kick.

Burton then blocked a close range effort by Max Hazeldine and two long range free kicks by Trafford midfielders Oli Roberts and Jordan Johnson were deflected wide.

However, Colne finished the first half the stronger with Marcis Poscha and Billy Hesler-Cregg firing weakly at Matty Cooper.

Trafford were desperately unlucky in the 58th minute when Max Hazeldine struck a powerful drive that Burton deflected onto the crossbar with the home players claiming that the ball had crossed the line.

Shortly afterwards Trafford skipper Sam Egerton just failed to connect with a back post header whilst at the other end Matty Cooper denied Eli Hey and Brad Lynch.

Trafford's new signing Kris Prifti then tested Burton with a low drive shortly after coming on.

The home side were now piling forward searching for the winner but Burton thwarted them again with two late saves to deny the menacing Prifti as Trafford went a 10th game without a win.

Trafford host Runcorn Linnets on Saturday before turning their attentions to their Manchester Premier Cup semi-final at home to Droylsden on Tuesday night.