TRAFFORD stretched their unbeaten Evo-Stik North run to six games with a confident display and a 2-0 win at Brighouse Town on Saturday.

After a frenetic opening the visitors gradually took control with Scott Sephton dominating midfield and in the 11th minute Steve Mason shot weakly at home keeper Chris Butt as Brighouse failed to clear a free kick.

A rare attack by the hosts in the 21st minute ended with Trafford goalkeeper Grant Shenton brilliantly pushing a Marcus Day drive past the upright and the visitors took advantage two minutes later with the opening goal.

A free kick was awarded 25 yards out, Jack Dorney tapped the ball to his left and Aaron Burns struck a thunderous drive that deflected off the defensive wall and flew past Butt.

Two minutes later Butt blocked a close-range shot by Burns as Trafford turned the screw and Burns went close once more in the 31st minute when his header from an Andy Langford cross was saved.

Trafford were now well on top and a great move shortly before half time ended with Ally Brown blasting over from 20 yards.

Six minutes into the second half the game was as good as over when Dorney swung a corner from the left into the near post and Mason arrived to power a header past the under-fire Butt.

With the majestic Sephton controlling the game and the back three of Mason, O’Brien and Langford forming an impenetrable barrier, Trafford pushed forward in search of further goals and after Burns headed a James Dean cross over the bar, skipper Chris Palmer squandered a glorious opportunity when he shot wide from 10 yards.

And in the dying seconds, substitute Declan Rydings should have made it three when he rounded off another slick move with a first-time shot that flew inches over.

Despite these misses Trafford were delighted to record another victory that moves them to within two points of the play-off spots, although they face an extremely tough task on Saturday when they entertain league leaders Bamber Bridge at the First Point Shawe View Stadium, kick off 3pm.

Then, on Tuesday night, Manchester United Under-18s are the visitors for a friendly fixture as the Red Devils prepare for the FA Youth Cup. Kick off is 7.30 pm.