NINE-man Trafford produced another stirring performance on Easter Monday to win 2-1 at high-flying Northwich Victoria and keep alive their hopes of a play-off spot.

After a 3-1 home win against Bamber Bridge 48 hours earlier, Trafford started brightly and in the sixth minute Chris McDonagh just failed to convert a Liam Davies free kick from the right.

Vics goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe saved brilliantly to thwart a thunderous header by Josh Granite, while at the other end Vics' first chance of the game fell to Jimmy Ball in the 28th minute when he shot straight at Russ Saunders from 15 yards.

Home midfielder Brian Summerskill then fired over as Vics pushed forward with the wind in their favour and dangerman Richard Bennett saw his header from eight yards well saved by Saunders.

In the 38th minute Vics were stunned when a superb pass by Kyle Jacobs released debutant Dominic Smith who outpaced the opposition defence and coolly placed the ball past the advancing Springthorpe to open the scoring.

In the 56th minute Trafford were relieved to see Bennett leave the field with a minor injury but disaster struck five minutes later when Mitchell Bryant was sent off for two rash and cautionable challenges in the space of three minutes.

Despite this setback, skipper Granite almost doubled Trafford’s lead when he just failed to connect cleanly with a back post volley following Jacobs’ left wing corner.

In the 77th minute the visitors were dramatically reduced to nine men when McDonagh was sent off for a second yellow card and three minutes later Vics Jimmy Ball was given his marching orders for a high challenge on Kyle Jacobs.

Trafford continued to play with great confidence and composure and in the 83rd minute they went two goals ahead when substitute Connor Martin pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area and drove hard and low past Springthorpe.

Vics poured forward in an attempt to reduce the arrears but found the visitors centre back pairing of Granite and Mitch Duggan, and full-backs Lee Neville and Kyle Jacobs, in magnificent form and goalkeeper Saunders was rarely troubled.

And there was an element of luck about the hosts consolation goal when the ball fell kindly to Summerskill who crossed for Josh Amis to net from close range.

The final whistle signalled a wonderful victory for Tom Baker’s side and they will be hoping to continue in a similar vein on Saturday when they entertain Farsley Celtic at Shawe View, kick off 3pm.

SPORTSMEN'S EVENING

TRAFFORD Football Club are holding a Sportsmens' Evening on Friday, April 29 at Flixton Golf Club. Guest Speaker is ex-Manchester United, Sunderland and Stoke defender, and media pundit, Danny Higginbotham, with comedian Max Pressure. Compere for the Evening is editor of United We Stand fanzine, Andy Mitten, and tickets can be obtained by contacting Dave Law on 07772 287086.