TRAFFORD produced a magnificent battling display to win 1-0 at Evo-Stik First Division North leaders Lancaster City and extend their unbeaten run to 16 games.

Backed by their vociferous supporters, Trafford started confidently and after just two minutes Mark Derbyshire headed over goalkeeper Mike Hale but saw Daniel Birch clear the ball off the line.

At the other end, visiting keeper Terry Smith tipped a curling drive by Jacob Gregory over the bar and from the resulting corner, Glenn Steel headed into the side-netting at the back post.

The play then became rather scrappy with a succession of free kicks, although Lancaster finished the first half the stronger with Gregory driving just past the post and Jordan Connerton rattling the bar with a thunderous shot from the edge of the area.

Trafford were on top in the opening stages of the second half, dominating play with some composed, possession football and in the 49th minute substitute Kingsley Williams' low cross from the right was half-volleyed over by Derbyshire.

City centre-back Josh Westwood almost turned a Liam Brownhill cross past his own goalkeeper before Trafford stunned the home crowd in the 63rd minute when they took the lead.

Brownhill was the orchestrator once again with a wicked in-swinging free kick from the left that Derbyshire flicked on and Alex Frost stooped to head home at the back post.

The home side threw everything forward in the remaining minutes in a desperate attempt to salvage a point.

Louis Mayers headed a left-wing corner past the upright, Craig Carney crashed a low drive from 25 yards that was well held by Smith and then three minutes into stoppage time goalkeeper Hale strode forward and headed another corner inches past the post.

The final whistle signalled a splendid victory for Tom Baker’s side who had shown great commitment, resilience and determination throughout.

On Saturday, Trafford return to Shawe View for a league fixture against Clitheroe kicking off at 3pm, then on Tuesday night they make the journey to Merseyside to play Prescot Cables, kick off 7.45pm.