TRAFFORD produced a defensive masterclass to stun Evo-Stik North high-flyers Hyde United 1-0 at Shawe View and stretch their unbeaten run to eight games.

The visitors dominated possession for long spells and moved the ball around confidently in the opening minutes although it was Trafford who had the first attempt on target when Sean Miller’s low drive was fumbled behind by United keeper Peter Crook.

The home side’s superbly organised back line restricted United to long-range efforts with Elliot Rokka, Paul Miller and Dominic McHale all firing in shots that failed to trouble Grant Shenton and it was only in the dying seconds of the first half that Shenton was tested when he held a Rokka drive at full length.

Two minutes into the second half Darius Palma was desperately unfortunate not to give Trafford the lead when he struck the foot of the post following great work by Danny Frost who then blasted over from 18 yards after cutting in from the right.

In the 62nd minute the visitors created their first chance of any note when Rokka was released down the right but Shenton saved the day with a brilliant save at point-blank range.

Trafford’s central defensive trio of Keil O’Brien, Paul Linwood and Steve Mason continued to form an impenetrable barrier with the home side looking to catch their opponents on the break and in the 81st minute Lee Neville made a great run down the left that was ended by a clumsy challenge by Kyle Harrison.

The referee duly pointed to the penalty spot and Frost stepped forward to hammer the spot-kick home via the underside of the bar, although the assistant ruled the ball had only marginally crossed the line.

Hyde threw everything forward in the remaining minutes, launching high balls into the Trafford penalty area but once again the home defensive line was magnificent and the final whistle arrived to signal a wonderful victory for Tom Baker’s side that keeps their hopes of a play-off position very much alive.

Trafford's trip to Radcliffe on Easter Monday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Their next outing is on Saturday over the Welsh border to play Colwyn Bay, kick off 3pm.