TRAFFORD lost 2-1 to National League North outfit Curzon Ashton as the visitors just shaded an exciting encounter at the First Point Shawe View Stadium on Tuesday night.

Curzon left winger Joe Guest caught the eye in the opening stages with several darting runs down his flank and the visitors created the first chance in the 14th minute when Scott Bakkor cracked a low drive that was saved at full length by Grant Shenton.

Trafford midfielder Scott Sephton then flashed a shot inches wide of the upright before the hosts forged ahead in the 42nd minute, Ash Woods flighting a superb cross from the right and Rio Ahmadi powering his header into the roof of the net from eight yards.

Steve Howson levelled the scores just five minutes into the second half when he poked the ball home from close range but Trafford almost regained the lead shortly afterwards when a snapshot by Woods was pushed around the post by Cameron Mason.

Both sides made numerous substitutions during the second period and it was one of these who settled the game in the 75th minute when Jordan Butterworth crashed a magnificent dipping drive from 25 yards into the top corner.

Four days earlier, Trafford had produced another impressive display to defeat West Didsbury and Chorlton 4-1 on the road.

The first chance of the game fell to the hosts when Trafford could only half clear a free kick and Harvey Stott cracked a volley straight at Shenton.

Woods and Ahmadi should have put the visitors ahead but squandered great opportunities as Trafford assumed control and they finally took the lead in the 31st minute when home full-back Josh Tinker had the misfortune to turn the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Four minutes later it was 2-0 when Woods released Ahmadi in the inside right channel and this time the fleet-footed striker made no mistake with a cool finish past Arron Ashley.

Trafford manager Tom Baker made five changes at half-time and the hosts reduced the arrears within five minutes when Nico Evangelides ghosted in to head the ball over Terry Green.

A further three changes on the hour mark appeared to galvanise Trafford and they dominated the remainder of the game with some superb possession football.

Woods twice went close before Jack Dorney made it 3-1 with a magnificent drive into the top corner from 25 yards and Sean Yeldrum rounded off the scoring when he rifled the ball into the roof of the net after great work by Ally Brown.