Trafford 0 Buxton 1

BUXTON edged this blood and thunder clash that threatened to get out of hand at times due to weak refereeing.

The visitors were well on top in the opening stages with centre half Ash Palmer volleying over from six yards and Shaun Tuton firing over from the edge of the penalty area.

It was obvious that Buxton had targeted the league’s leading goal scorer Shelton Payne as the danger as he was on the wrong end of some over-physical challenges that referee Wainwright failed to punish.

In the 16th minute Trafford almost surged ahead when a towering header by Nia Bayunu was superbly tipped over by Aaron Jameson.

Eight minutes later Trafford striker Michael Oates squandered a good chance but Jameson blocked from point blank range and play immediately switched to the other end where home keeper Andy Robertson left his line to push Tuton’s goal bound effort behind.

Both defences were then on top for long spells with the only goalmouth action being a low drive from 20 yards by Trafford’s Joe Shaw that flew inches past the upright with Jameson unsighted.

The second half began in a similar vein with both teams playing with great intensity and pace unfortunately to the detriment of skill and creativity.

And in the 61st minute Trafford’s defence was finally breached when they failed to clear a Buxton attack and Shaun Tuton broke free to drive the ball into the bottom corner.

Five minutes later Trafford left back Andy Smart struck a stunning drive from fully 25 yards that was arrowing towards the top corner before Jameson produced a breathtaking save to tip the ball over.

Trafford pushed forward gallantly in search of the equaliser with Nia Bayunu, Shelton Payne and substitute Simon Hackney all powering in shots that were saved by Jameson.

But the best chance fell to Oates who was released in the inside right channel in the 81st minute but saw his close range effort deflected behind by Jameson.

Despite a titanic effort in the closing minutes Trafford could force the equaliser and their misery was complete in the dying seconds when centre back Steve Mason was sent off for an innocuous looking challenge on Alastair Taylor.

Garry Vaughan’s side face another massive challenge on Saturday when they travel to third placed Curzon Ashton and then on Tuesday night they entertain Ashton United at Shawe View, kick off 7.45 p.m