Redditch United 5 Trafford 2

TWO goals in the last two minutes cast a false impression of this game after ten men Trafford had mounted a magnificent second half fight back against all the odds.

The visitors got off to the perfect star when, after just five minutes, Shelton Payne intercepted a weak back header, rounded goalkeeper Sam Hornby and slotted the ball home.

However, Trafford were being a little bit over zealous in the tackle and after Michael Oates had lunged at Jordan Jones, Clevon Beadle received his marching orders in the 12th minute for a reckless studs-up challenge on Leavi Oshungbure.

Despite this, Trafford defended with great assurance although they were thankful for the heroics of young goalkeeper Ed Wilczynski who produced two superb reflex saves in the 31st and 32nd minutes.

Disaster struck just two minutes before the interval when Redditch forced the equaliser, Jermaine Hylton netting from six yards after Dior Angus pulled the ball back from the by-line.

Trafford started the second half brightly and a quick breakaway in the 49th minute ended with a Shelton Payne drive being deflected behind.

Five minutes later the hosts took the lead when a deep free kick from the left was touched home with the faintest of touches by Simeon Maye and in the 67th minute a carbon copy free kick from the right ended with centre half James Mutton rising unchallenged to head into the bottom corner and make it 3-1.

Trafford now faced an unbelievably difficult task but produced some breath-taking football to dominate for long spells.

Rory Fallon and Tom Schofield lead the way with magnificent performances and Will Ahern twice went close to reducing the arrears, Hornby thwarting his stunning volley in the 73rd minute with a fabulous save.

Shelton Payne shot weakly at Hornby in the 78th minute but two minutes later made it 2-3 when he rifled an electrifying drive from 20 yards into the roof of the net.

As fate would have it, Redditch broke immediately downfield and as Trafford only half cleared, the ball fell kindly to Jamie Spencer who shot into the bottom corner to seal the tie.

Then to add to Trafford’s woes Ashley Simmons broke clear of the tiring Trafford defence in injury time and coolly placed the ball past the despairing Wilczynski to give an unreal final score of 5-2.