TRAFFORD bowed out of the Integro League Cup on Tuesday night, losing on penalties in an entertaining third round fixture at Sheffield FC.

Tom Baker's team took the lead after 120 seconds, Sam Baird sweeping home from just inside the box.

The lead lasted only nine minutes however when Trafford failed to make a clearance and Sheffield’s Jordan Chapell hit the equaliser.

Trafford’s response was quick and decisive with Max Hazeldine continuing his fine recent form by restoring the lead in the 14th minute following great work by Lewis Salmon.

The next 60 minutes of football were played at a frantic pace but neither side could find the back of the net until the 75th minute when the hosts scored their second equaliser of the evening through James Reed.

With no extra time in these cup ties, the game looked to be drifting to penalties until it burst into life again in the 88th minute.

Trafford felt they were wronged when the referee waved play on despite two apparent fouls on Darius Palma.

Things went from bad to worse as Sheffield took the ball up the other end and Sheldon Jordan put them 3-2 ahead.

Parity and justice were restored however when Baird scored his second of the night with a powerful 90th-minute header.

The resultant penalty shoot-out saw both teams scoring their first three spot-kicks but Palma and Sam Grimshaw’s penalties were saved by Sheffield keeper Owen Evans to send the home side through to the quarter-finals.

Trafford are back in BetVictor North West League action this Saturday when they travel to Pontefract Collieries, kick-off 3pm.