TRAFFORD boss Tom Baker is challenging his team to continue their recent run of form when play-off hopefuls Burscough visit Shawe View on Saturday.

The hosts have not been in league action since a 2-2 draw at high-flying Spennymoor on January 30 – earned by a performance Baker labelled one of the best since his arrival.

Last weekend's Evo-Stik First Division North clash at Radcliffe Borough fell victim to the wet weather meaning a frustrating weekend for Baker.

But he used the blank day to watch this weekend's opponents and he hopes his side's form can see them avenge a 4-1 reverse in Lancashire back in September.

Baker told SUM: "Burscough are a good side but the result at their place is one that still sticks in my mind.

"It was a really disappointing result and performance that day, albeit we had a man sent off.

"My team now is very different to then while they are similar so we know a bit about them and I also went to watch them at the weekend.

"It will be a tough game because they are playing well but it's a good test for us.

"We showed against Spennymoor – who I think are the best team we have played in the league so far – we can compete at that level and can take heart from that.

"We have 14 games left and 11 are against sides above us so we can gauge how far we have come and also take points of those above us to close the gap."

Trafford are unbeaten in the league since late December, albeit they have only played three times due to the persistent wet weather.

It has affected momentum but on the plus side, Baker says it has allowed several players to shake off knocks.

One blow in recent weeks has been the departure of defender Andy Watson to Northwich Victoria.

But Baker says it may open the door for others like Ryan Ledson at centre-back.

The boss added: "It was disappointing to see Andy go because his experience was good for us at the back and he was playing well.

"But it hands an opportunity to others like Ryan who has been on the bench in recent weeks.

"He lacks Andy's experience but has all the attributes required and is a really good player so maybe it will give him a chance in there.

"The break has been difficult when you train Tuesday and Thursday and prepare for games like we did last week but it is the same for every team.

"On the plus side we have shaken off a few knocks and hopefully this weekend we can get a game in."