Traff: Everyone At The Back Was Unreal

Unbeatable James Trafford was happy to share the praise with his defensive colleagues after defying Port Vale to keep a second successive clean sheet.

Trafford made one remarkable second-half save to help Wanderers cope with the dismissal of Ricardo Almeida Santos and battle to a 0-0 draw at in the Potteries.

The on-loan Manchester City keeper also had to make another smart block to deny Vale debutant Ellis Harrison a goal in a rock-solid display at Vale Park.

But a modest Trafford played down the pick of the pair as Wanderers switched to a back four at the break to shut Vale out and extend their unbeaten start to the season.   

“The ball just went to the left, I tipped it around the post, and we just defended the corner,” said Trafford.

“It’s what we train everyday with Gilo and the goalies for, but everyone in front of us was magnificent today, especially, Jono, Geth, Slim (Aimson), and Jack.

“We knew as soon as Skip got sent off it was going to be a challenge.

“The weather and the pitch played a massive part, but the lads left everything out there.

“Everyone at the back was unreal so, it just limited my work and when called upon I helped.”

Trafford’s opposite number Jack Stevens also had to be at the top of his game as he made excellent saves on his Vale debut to keep out efforts from Dapo Afolayan and Aaron Morley.

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Despite being a man down following the controversial dismissal of Santos, the Whites were a threat on the break.

But on a red-hot afternoon they also had to soak up plenty of pressure and work over-time to bank a point.

And Trafford believes Wanderers’ determination and collective spirit has never been in doubt since his arrival at the club.

“People have labelled us soft-touch, but to be honest I haven’t really seen it,” added the 19-year-old, who has finished on the losing side just three times in 25 League One games with Ian Evatt’s men.

“Days like today just show that we’re not a soft-touch, we defend really well.

“We know we’ll get beat eventually, but until that day comes we’re keep going to give it our all and keep the good results coming.”

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