TRAFFORD MV firsts travelled to North Lancs Division One leaders Oldham as underdogs but gave the hosts a scare with a battling display in a narrow 8-5 defeat.

The early exchanges were even with Oldham, who have lost just once this campaign, looking strong in the set pieces.

Trafford had the better of open play, however it became obvious from the early part of the game that possession and ball retention was to be key.

And with a penalty count that hugely favoured the home side, MV were found wanting.

A solid defence thwarted some strong running from the Oldham backs who were pushed around the park by some astute kicking from their No 10.

MV showed their attacking potential when quick hands got the ball to powerful centre Jamie Kingdon who broke through two flailing tackles to cross the line and give the visitors a 5-0 lead.

Skipper and scrum-half Pat Eccles struck the conversion attempt well, however the strong crosswind sent the ball wide of the upright.

Despite a strong fightback by the home side, MV stood strong and their defence held out to take the narrow lead into half time.

The second half proved just as competitive as the first with both teams giving a good account of themselves.

Oldham switched their No 8 and from a scrum inside the MV half, a pick up and drive from the base of the scrum saw MV miss two tackles and the hosts launched a decisive attack down the left.

With the MV defence caught flat-footed, good handling gave the Oldham winger enough space to outpace the covering defence and cross in the corner.

The conversion attempt had good direction but just dipped short of the crossbar and it remained level at 5-5.

Oldham upped their game but the high penalty count – which went 20-8 against MV – saw good attacking position wasted on a number of occasions by MV.

And it ultimately proved costly when handling on the ground gave Oldham the much-sought opportunity to take the lead and that was gratefully accepted by the home side for an 8-5 lead.

MV chased the result but Oldham now controlled the ball, taking their time and using the wind for long clearances out of defence.

The home side's No 6 was yellow carded late in the game for a cynical off-the-ball incident, which had been the trademark of his game, but this was too little too late for MV who had to settle for the narrow defeat.

MV were the better side for large parts of the game and marginal improvements in parts of their play would certainly have given them victory.

This weekend MV welcome bottom-placed St Edwards Old Boys to MacPherson Park, kick off 2.15pm.