Workington Reds lost their 100 per cent NPL West record at Trafford, but are still unbeaten after a 2-2 draw.
Twice Reds had to come from behind and draw level, the second equaliser coming eight minutes from time.
It was an attitude that manager Chris Willcock was quick to praise after he had been forced to pick a side short of eight senior players.
He said: “I thought the lads were outstanding. Because of the situation we find ourselves in it would have been easy to down tools and feel sorry for ourselves at 2-1.
“Our injury problems have been well documented and the game had sort of drifted from us, but they showed tremendous togetherness and team spirit to come back and got the equaliser which keeps us unbeaten.
“We are not going to have our own way every week and Trafford are a good side, unbeaten in the League and showed why against us.”
The home side had gone in front with a very good finish from Aidan Roxburgh on 32 minutes after a fairly even start to the game.
It took only six minutes for Reds to level after a handballing the box and Rowan Roache slotted home his second penalty in successive games.
Trafford were certainly the better side in the third quarter of the game and deservedly went in front with another good finish, this time by Max Hazeldine on 54 minutes.
But Reds fought hard in the closing stages and got their reward with the late equaliser. Roache, who had been a threat throughout with his fine deliveries, sent in another great cross and this time Ruben Jerome got on the end of it to head home.
Willcock hopes to have a couple of his injured players back for Saturday when Reds entertain Leek Town, who were 3-0 winners last night at Northwich.
