TWO opportunistic goals by Michael Oates earned Trafford the points and moved them to within three points of league leaders Mossley with three games in hand.

Shelton Payne squandered a great chance of giving the home side the lead after just three minutes when he volleyed wide from eight yards whilst at the other end Lewis Nightingale fired over from 15 yards.

Trafford stormed ahead in the 15th minute when Liam Shipton blasted a great drive from 25 yards against the crossbar and Oates reacted brilliantly to steer his header into the empty goal.

Mossley striker Kayde Coppin struck a thunderbolt from 25 yards that was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Tom Read before Oates made it two in the 31st minute when he pounced on an error by visiting keeper Martin Pearson to turn the ball in from the tightest of angles.

Seconds before half time Shelton Payne almost made it three but shot past the far post after cutting in from the right.

The second half was rather disappointing as a spectacle with Trafford comfortably defending their lead and content to soak up the pressure.

Goalkeeper Tom Read was troubled just once when, in the 56th minute, Mossley mounted a swift attack down the right, Nightingale shot towards the bottom corner and the young Trafford custodian threw himself to his left to turn the ball past the post.

The Trafford defence was superbly marshalled by centre backs Nia Bayunu and Steve Mason and the visitors created just one other goalscoring opportunity when Mark Haslam screwed his shot wide from the left.

And in the last 15 minutes it was Trafford who looked as if they would add to their lead when Shipton cut in from the right but shot straight at Pearson and Oates pounced on a weak header by Chris Brown but chipped inches over the crossbar.

In the dying seconds Oates had another chance to complete his hat-trick when his drive from the edge of the area was parried by Pearson but the Mossley defence cleared the danger.

The final whistle signalled a magnificent victory for the young Trafford side and the vast majority of the crowd of 376 left Shawe View feeling inspired by yet another skilful, committed and determined performance.

On Saturday, Trafford travel over the Pennines to play Ossett Town in an Evo Stik League Division One North encounter kicking off at 3pm.