Classy promotion favourites outclass Trafford

The visitors were on the front foot from the start with Trafford’s young goalkeeper Luke Pilling saving bravely to deny Liam Henderson and then home left back Danny Caldercott glancing a header against his far post following a wicked in-swinging free kick.

In the 19th minute Nathan Fisher broke clear but was thwarted by another fine save by Pilling and United right-back Kallum Griffiths then screwed a shot well wide from just inside the penalty area.

Trafford striker Chris McDonagh fired a free kick straight at goalkeeper Daniel Lowson and Jack Dorney blasted over from 25 yards but the visitors finished the first half the stronger with Fisher being denied once more by a brilliant point blank save by Pilling who then tipped a goalbound header by Andrew Stephenson over the crossbar.

Despite being under the cosh for long spells in the first half Trafford started the second half brightly and in the 48th minute they should have taken the lead when Jack Dorney broke clear on the left but delayed his shot and the danger was cleared.

The visitors then assumed control of the midfield once more and in the 65th minute substitute Daniel Frost saw his attempted chip well held by the acrobatic Pilling.

Liam Henderson then blasted over from 15 yards but the Spennymoor pressure finally paid off in the 69th minute when dangerman Henderson fired into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

Pilling produced yet another superb save from Stephenson in the 80th minute but the points were secured five minutes later when a deep free kick was flicked on and Lewis Dodds strode forward to slide the ball past the advancing Pilling.

Trafford refused to lie down, however, with centre back Danny Lafferty volleying over from close range and substitute Josh Dolling powering in a header that was saved at full length by Lowson.

The game ended with Spennymoor well worth the three points following a powerful and dominant performance full of skill and endeavour.