A CHRIS McDonagh brace earned Trafford three points and moved them up into seventh place in the Evo Stik League Division One North table after a 3-1 win against Droylsden

Despite their lowly league position, Droylsden attacked from the start and in the first minute an overhead kick by James Hampson flew straight at visiting keeper Russ Saunders.

Trafford gradually began to assume control and in the 10th minute a low drive by McDonagh was superbly saved by Sam Ramsbottom.

Right winger Joel Melia then curled a shot over from 25 yards and McDonagh headed wide of the back post following a deep cross by Danny Caldercott.

In the 35th minute, Trafford were rocked when Dominic Smith broke clear down the middle and coolly placed the ball past Saunders to put Droylsden ahead.

Within two minutes Tom Baker’s side were level when a deep cross by left winger Phil Dean fell to Melia who drove expertly home from just inside the penalty area.

In the 39th minute the mercurial Melia took off on a great mazy run down the right and sent over a pin-point cross that Chris McDonagh headed home form just six yards.

Trafford were now totally in control and Melia almost made it three when he outpaced veteran defender Ged Murphy but was denied by a fine save by the impressive Ramsbottom.

Ramsbottom then brilliantly tipped a Phil Dean thunderbolt over the crossbar and the first half closed with Dean cracking another fierce drive just wide of the far post.

Melia squandered another good chance in the 52nd minute following a magnificent through ball by Lee Rick but to their credit, Droylsden battled gallantly for the equaliser and Murphy glanced a header just wide in the 61st minute.

However, two minutes later the points were secured when Jack Dorney struck a powerful drive from 20 yards that Ramsbottom could only parry and McDonagh stole in to guide the ball into the unguarded net for his 11th goal of the season.

The remainder of the game saw very few clearcut chances at either end and the final whistle arrived to signal a crucial victory for Trafford as they seek to close the gap on the play-off places.

On Saturday, Trafford make the journey over the Pennines to play Brighouse Town and then on Tuesday night they face an intriguing Doodson Trophy Tie at ‘Class of ‘92’ outfit Salford City, kick off 7-45 p.m.