A MAGNIFICENT second half performance by title favourites Chorley paved the way for a 5-0 thrashing of a depleted Trafford side at Shawe View on Tuesday night.

Due to injury and illness, the home side were deprived of the services of leading goalscorer Shelton Payne, midfield kingpin Tom Schofield and newly signed full back Rees Welsh.

Despite this, Trafford started confidently but fell behind in the 20th minute when Chorley striker James Dean struck a great drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards past the helpless Kieran O’Hara.

The home side battled back with Brett Mbalanba seeing his effort parried by Sam Ashton and Rory Fallon cracking a drive from 25 yards that was deflected just wide.

As half time approached, Chorley almost doubled their lead when James Dean broke clear but was thwarted by a brave save from point blank range by O’Hara.

Seconds before the interval, Trafford left back Andy Smart swung in a free kick from the left and skipper Nia Bayunu glanced a header just past the post.

The second half was a great disappointment for Garry Vaughan’s side and they fell further behind in the 55th minute when Kieran Walmsley struck a free kick from 20 yards that took a slight deflection and flew into the bottom corner.

Four minutes later the game was as good as over when a superb sweeping move ended with Darren Stephenson half volleying past O’Hara at the back post to make it 3-0.

Chorley were now in rampant form, Dean volleying wide and Josh Hine drawing a fine reflex save from the impressive O’Hara.

But the 17 year old keeper on loan from Manchester United was helpless to prevent the fourth goal when another slick move by the visitors ended with Adam Roscoe firing into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

The best goal of the night was reserved for the last minute when Chorley substitute Simon Wiles cut in from the left and unleashed a thunderous drive that arrowed into the top corner from 25 yards.

Trafford will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they travel to Gresley for an FA Trophy Second Round Tie and then on Wednesday night they make the long journey to Whitby Town for a Premier Division fixture kicking off at 7-45 p.m.