Vauxhall Motors narrowly beat Trafford, in new manager Danny Holmes’ first away game, on Remembrance Day.
The Motormen had put in two excellent performances in Holmes’ first two games, winning and drawing against two high-flying teams, at The VanEupen Arena.
Adding quality to the side, the signing of forward Will Dunne was announced a hour before the game, following on from Michael Burkey’s exit to former manager Mick McGraa’s Bootle in the week.
A beautifully respected remembrance silence was played out to remember those who had bravely fought in the war’s before the referee blew his whistle.
The Motormen made a brilliant start to the match at The Shawe View Stadium as winger Joe Brandon forced the hosts’ keeper, Brad Rose, into his first save of the afternoon.
Brandon proved to be a constant threat as he set up midfielder Ben Holmes on the edge of the box, firing the visitors into the lead. Holmes smashed the ball past Rose leaving him rooted to the ground.
The winger was close to doubling the scoreline as he was played in on the right but his shot was dragged wide.
There were a couple of claims for a penalty, one either way, before the break. However, the referee dismissed the shouts and booked Motors forward Conor Harwood after he went to the ground.
Trafford came out quick in the second half. However, there were little clear cut chances made before Vauxhall sent on Will Dunne to make his debut, replacing Brandon.
The hosts would soon go down to ten men as striker Eddie Servuts was sent off for a horrific challenge on Ethan Gouldbourne.
Injecting some fresh energy, Motors manager Danny Holmes brought on Leo Riley, with 15 minutes to go, for his first match in over a year after a long term injury.
Dunne could have sealed the game, on his debut, with ten minutes left to be played as he got into a good position but he failed to convert the one-on-one opportunity.
Vauxhall’s unbeaten start to Holmes’ managerial reign continuing, attentions will now turn to next Saturday’s challenge at home to Hanley Town.
Trafford FC, managed by Karl Marginson: Brad Rose, Ally Brown, Damola Sotona, Kwame Osigwe, Harry Norris, Scott Kay, Mike Burke, Danny Lambert, Eddie Servuts, Rob Worrall, Abet Zazai. SUBS: Tom Beckett, Hilal Khan, Joe Coyle, Harrison Denton, Tom Eckersley.
Vauxhall Motors FC, managed by Danny Holmes: Ally Hughes, Bobby Beaumont, Ethan Gouldbourne, Tom Mitchell, Adam Hughes, Ben Holmes, George Nugent, Sean Moscrop, Lewis Buckley (36’), Jordan Deer (76’), Joe Brandon (59’). SUBS: Conor Harwood (36’), Leo Riley (76’), Will Dunne (59’), Marcus James, Greg Drummond.
Referee: A. Hussain
Assistants: M.Moss and J.Birch-Ford