Star date: 1st January 2013

Salford City 3 Trafford 3

AMMIES GIVE HIGH FLYING TRAFFORD NEW YEAR FRIGHT

Salford City came from a goal down to take the lead twice against play-off placed Trafford in the big New Year derby match today at Moor Lane. But Trafford eventually forced the draw in the final few minutes of an enthralling game.

Match report and photos here…

This was a game that almost silenced Salford's noisy neighbours from Trafford who have promotion aspirations after scoring loads of goals while having one of the division's meanest defences. With the Ammies leading 3-2 going into the final few minutes Trafford sneaked a goal to grab a point.

It was a game in which Salford dominated the opening exchanges before Trafford, in their first serious attack took the lead after eight minutes. The Ammies hit back with a succession of corners, laying siege to the away side's goal as Osebi Abadaki tormented defenders.

Nathan McDonald with the goal gaping struck a shot that clipped the crossbar, and Jimmy Holden lobbed the Trafford keeper only to see the ball squirm wide. It took half an hour before Danny Heffernan headed home the equaliser as the ball pinged around in the Trafford area. Half time 1-1.

Supporters were still making their way back to the stands as Salford took the lead in the third minute of the second half, Nathan McDonald creating space for himself before rifling a superb shot from the edge of the area that flew into the net. 2-1.

The referee decided to equal things up a bit, awarding a ludicrous free kick to Trafford on the edge of the Salford area after an attacker appeared to fall over his own feet. The subsequent well taken kick curled into the top left hand corner to square the game 2-2.

With Trafford looking dangerous on the break, it was Salford that took the lead again, Jamie Rother hitting a shot from just inside the area which took a deflection before nestling into the corner of the net. 3-2.

Trafford hit back with a free kick on the edge of the area hitting the bar, while Salford keeper, Ritchie Branagan made some important blocks. However, with only minutes left Trafford sneaked another equaliser after hesitation in the Salford defence. 3-3.

A thrilling match, great for the neutral, but for Salford fans it was the clown ref, as usual, who let Trafford back into the game with a lamentable decision. On the up side, Salford City remain unbeaten over Christmas. On the down side, it's been three draws, at least two of which should have been victories. Today, Trafford were lucky to escape with a point. 

* The Man of the Match Award was presented to Salford keeper Ritchie Branagan after the game by Sheffield Wednesday and Eire legend John Sheridan, brother of the Ammies manager Darren.

Photos by Gareth Lyons