TRAFFORD crashed to a 4-1 Evo-Stik First Division North defeat at Warrington on Monday following a disastrous start in which they conceded two goals within seven minutes.

After just four minutes the Trafford defence was statuesque as Danny Ventre floated in a free kick that Daniel O’Donnell headed home unchallenged past Russ Saunders.

And three minutes later visiting right-back Connor Roberts-Nurse carelessly gave the ball away and was then hopelessly out of position as Ciaran Kilheeney broke clear and slipped the ball past the advancing Saunders.

Trafford were rocked by these early goals and Chris Gaghan almost made it three in the 18th minute when he headed over from close range.

However, the third goal duly arrived in the 21st minute when ex-Trafford left winger Scott Metcalfe cut in from his flank and drove the ball to the near post where Kilheeney arrived to stab it home.

Metcalfe then struck a wicked volley from 20 yards that Saunders pushed to safety and a traumatic first half for the visitors ended with just one attempt at goal, Chris Palmer firing a shot that was comfortably held by Karl Wills.

To their credit, Trafford made a bright start to the second half although an early chance fell to Scott Metcalfe when he screwed his shot wide of the far post.

Trafford substitute Chris McDonagh, returning to the club after an unsuccessful stint at Glossop, was tripped in the 62nd minute and dusted himself down to crash the resultant penalty past Wills into the roof of the net.

This goal appeared to take some of the wind out of the Warrington sails and Trafford pushed forward in search of further goals.

However, the home defence were in solid form with Wills rarely being troubled and in the 79th minute the points were sealed when Ventre struck a free kick from the left that flew over the players from both sides, including keeper Saunders, and nestled inside the far post.

Trafford skipper Kyle Jacobs blasted over from 25 yards with Warrington substitute Ben Wharton doing similar at the other end, and the final whistle arrived to signal a desperately disappointing performance and result for Tom Baker’s side.

Baker’s side will be hoping to make amends on Saturday when they entertain Droylsden at Shawe View, kick off 3pm.