Irlam FC ended their pre-season fixtures on a positive note on Saturday, despite going down 1-0 in a hard-fought game against Trafford FC. A Ben Deegan strike after just 10 minutes would seal the victory for the local visitors, who provided a tough test for the home side on the day.

Trafford settled into their play immediately at the start of the game, enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the opening 10 minutes. They would score the opening goal at this point, albeit in somewhat soft circumstances. A recycled ball back over the top of Irlam’s defence saw some confusion between goalkeeper Lee White and his defenders; the ball somehow missed by everyone to run through and leave Deegan with the simplest of finishes to make it 1-0 to Trafford.

This seemed to spark Irlam into life, yet the side were dealt another blow as attacker Jordan Icely was forced off with a niggling injury and the side was forced to re-shuffle at this early stage. Trafford continued to threaten with McDonagh and Ahmadi looking to play off Deegan at every opportunity; Braithwaite and Kpohgomou were being kept on their toes throughout and were defending admirably in the face of quality forward play, as has been the case for the duration of pre-season. Liam Green and Lewis Adams were also pinned back, needed for cover regularly as Trafford piled men forward.

As the half wore on, Tom Russell and Liam Morrison managed to work Irlam back into the game and Dean Burgess enforced some authority in the middle of the park with some strong tackling. On the other hand, Trafford continued to show their quality, having a second goal ruled out for offside as the first 45 minutes drew to a close with Trafford 1-0 to the good.

Irlam began the second half much better than the first, now relaxing on the ball and playing the football that has seen them receive plaudits from those in attendance during pre-season. Gaz Mooney and Christian Lawlor were working tirelessly down the sides, ensuring the visitors were never allowed to settle into their rhythm in the way they did during the first 45 minutes.

The second half became a proper game of football, yet clear chances for either side were still few and far between. Trafford’s Deegan once again having the standout chance, his header from 6 yards flying narrowly wide as the visitors remained dangerous. Long range efforts from Morrison and Lawlor were as close as Irlam had come as the game entered it’s final 10 minutes.

The introduction of Longworth and Illidge added composure and energy respectively and it was in the game’s final stages that Irlam will maybe feel they could have nicked something from the match. Campbell saw the ball run away from him as was bearing down on goal, before Illidge and Morrison’s combination play was cut out at the final moment as Morrison prepared to pull the trigger. Despite their late resurgence, Irlam couldn’t find a way through a resolute Trafford side who showed very well on the day.

There could be no complaints on the final whistle, Irlam will be disappointed in the manner which they conceded but will take great heart from their performance and especially how they grew as the game went on. Trafford showed their class over the course of the fixture and we wish them well for the upcoming season.

Irlam: White (Aldred), Green (Cassell), Adams (Peters), Russell (Longworth), Braithwaite, Kpohgomou, Mooney, Burgess (Illidge), Campbell, Morrison, Icely (Lawlor).

NWCFL SEASON STARTS: SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST
IRLAM FC VS NORTHWICH MANCHESTER VILLA

All attention now turns to next week’s NWCFL season opener at Silver Street. Irlam play host to Northwich Manchester Villa; the game is a 3pm kick-off. We look forward to seeing you there!