Trafford 3 Silsden 0

The class of Trafford eventually told in the second half when the Cobbydalers were striving to pull a goal back in their loss to the league leaders last week.

Although Trafford dominated possession in the first half they only had one shot on target and that was a penalty.

The Cobbydalers did create some openings but to inflict only the second defeat in the league on Trafford they needed some luck.

With the wind at their backs the Mancunians attacked at pace moving the ball swiftly from player to player with one touch football.

Scott Barlow was making runs behind the defence but Silsden, well marshalled by the experienced James Nettleton restricted Trafford to efforts from outside the box. The home side's full backs readily joined the attack but both shot wide whilst Martin Foulger spread himself well to deny Barlow.

Shaun Airey broke forward and passed to Tom Applebee who created an opening for Chris Simpson but his shot was blocked. A cross from Martin Packer was headed goalwards by Applebee but the ball held up in the wind and Tom Read gathered easily. Danny McNulty and Martin Packer exchanged passes to release Simpson who was checked on the edge of the box.

Although Lee Reilly and Simpson found space at a premium the Cobbydalers matched their opponents.

It had been a compelling start but halfway through, Trafford were awarded a penalty. The ball struck the arm of Airey whilst he was turning away. Harry Winter hit the spot-kick hard and low. Foulger got a hand to it but the pace took it into the bottom corner.

Trafford attacked with greater assurance whilst Tim Hird and Mark Bentham provided a shield in front of the Silsden back four.

Silsden had the wind advantage in the second half and one might have expected them to dominate possession. As it was Trafford kept the ball on the deck and their push and run football created several good chances.

The half was barely a minute old when Chris Mackay beat McNulty and broke into the Cobbydalers box. Mackay was tripped by Nettleton but a penalty was not given.

Foulger tipped Mackay's 20-yarder round the post before he faced another penalty. The keeper himself had brought down Barlow in the box. It was a genuine attempt to get to the ball and it was refreshing to see the referee acknowledge this. But this time Foulger saved Winter's spot-kick!

Four minutes later Andy Lundy put Trafford 2-0 up following a superb dribble and one-two down the left.

Will Aherne was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Bentham, an incident out of character in a game which had been competitive but fair.

Immediately Silsden stole the initiative. Applebee cut in from the right but Read, at full stretch, tipped his dipping volley over the bar. A far post cross from Apple-bee caught the defence unawares and Packer stole in at the back post but Read managed to block the winger's header.

Trafford then regained their composure and demonstrated why they are the league leaders. Mackay shot wide and two more penalty decisions went in Silsden's favour before Lundy broke through again to seal the points.

Airey went close with a long range effort but it was Trafford who finished the stronger. Only another excellent Foulger save from Gareth Thomas kept the scoreline respectable.

Silsden are away to Ramsbottom United on Saturday.