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FLIXTON goalkeeper Andy Robertson gifted Trafford all three points on Easter Monday as he saw red in the last minute of the game.

With time running out in a generally disappointing game, he inexplicably swung a punch at a home attacker, received his marching orders and gave away the penalty that won the match for the league leaders.

In a game sponsored by Paul Birtles Estate Agents a record crowd for the season in the Vodkat League of just under 350 witnessed a scrappy opening in which Flixton's well drilled defence kept a tight rein on the swift moving home attack.

In the 13th minute Trafford's busy little striker Scott Barlow shot weakly wide from 15 yards and two minutes later Kayde Coppin fired over from 30 yards.

Left winger Scott Metcalfe then released Barlow in the inside left position but Robertson was quickly off his line to block with his legs.

As the half hour mark approached Flixton came more into the game with Bradley Barnes powering in a drive from 25 yards that Tom Read beat out and then David Moore saw his shot blocked by home defender Lee Southwood.

In the 31st minute Trafford were shocked when the visitors took the lead, the home defence failing to clear a high free kick and Steve Smith bundling the ball home from close range.

Trafford pushed forward in search of the equaliser and Robertson pushed a deflected free kick behind for a corner before referee Newton ignored home appeals for a penalty after Scott Metcalfe appeared to be tripped by Mike Ayres.

In the 52nd minute Trafford at last found themselves back on level terms when Andy Lundy neatly set up Metcalfe who sped past a visiting defender and glanced the ball past the advancing Robertson.

Flixton refused to be rattled by this equaliser and in the 56th minute Scott Holt fired into the side-netting from 10 yards before leading goalscorer Steve Moore screwed his shot wide from 15 yards.

At the other end, Trafford left back Sam Halligan headed over from just five yards and then Barlow collected a superb cross from Metcalfe, skipped inside a defender and cracked in a low drive that Robertson saved at the foot of the post.

Both defences were on top in the closing stages and the game appeared to be heading for a draw when Trafford were awarded a free kick out on the right.

The ball was swung over to the back post, an almighty scramble ensued and despite collecting the ball the visiting keeper swung a punch at Simon Woodford.

Flixton skipper Phil Bayliss took over in goal but had no chance with the resultant spot kick, Lundy calmly stepping forward to drive into the bottom corner and send the home fans wild.

Seconds later the final whistle was blown and Trafford had retained their 10-point lead at the top of the Vodkat League despite producing their least impressive performance for several months.

However, credit must go to the well-organised Flixton team who, without that moment of madness, would have gone home with a hard earned point.

On Saturday, Trafford make the journey to Winsford for a Vodkat League fixture kicking off at 3pm, while second-placed Salford travel to third-placed Newcastle Town for a game that could have a crucial bearing on the destiny of the league championship.

2:17pm Tuesday 25th March 2008

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