TRAFFORD collected three crucial home points in their quest for an Evo-Stik First Division North play-off place on Saturday but were made to fight every inch of the way by a physical Tadcaster Albion side before winning 3-1.

The visitors made the perfect start when, after just three minutes, ex-Manchester United and England Under-21 star Jonathan Greening floated a delightful cross to the back post and Carl Stewart headed home.

However, two minutes later, and after home keeper Terry Smith had saved at point-blank range from Tom Corner, Andy Keogh equalised with a cool, side-footed finish from the edge of the penalty area.

And in the eighth minute Trafford struck again when Ash Woods seized on a poor backpass and crossed for Ally Brown to tap in from four yards.

The game became a little ragged for the remainder of the first half with the only attempt on goal being an in-swinging free kick by Liam Brownhill that Albion keeper Chandler Hallwood tipped over the bar.

The second half saw the visitors putting the Trafford defence under tremendous pressure for long spells with an aerial bombardment that was dealt with superbly by centre-backs Josh Granite and Anthony Griffith and keeper Smith.

Albion substitute Josh Greening squandered a great chance of an equaliser when he was clean through but shot tamely into Smith’s hands and the under-fire home custodian then produced a magnificent reflex save to thwart Stewart.

Corner, Stewart and Sellars all glanced headers wide as Albion launched balls into the home penalty area, while at the other end a fine, last-ditch tackle by Josh Grant prevented Woods from making it 3-1.

Trafford substitutes Lee Neville and Kingsley Williams combined in the closing minutes with the latter heading over at the back post before the points were sealed in the 90th minute when a slick move down the right ended with a Chris Palmer volley being parried by Hallwood and Woods pounced to force home the rebound.

Tom Baker’s side will be desperate for another three points on Saturday when they entertain Ramsbottom United at Shawe View, kick off 3pm.