TRAFFORD’S preparations for the forthcoming season continued last Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in a keenly-contested game at Abbey Hey.

Defences were on top in the first half with neither goalkeeper really troubled, Laurence Taylor squandering the best chance for the visitors when he scooped his shot over the bar following a cross from the right by the impressive Harry Sheridan.

The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute when uncharacteristically slack defending by the hosts allowed Trafford goal-machine Aaron Burns to steer a header inside the far post from Paul Williams’ right-wing corner.

The second half belonged entirely to Trafford and they should have added to their tally, Steve Whitley failing to connect with a Chris Palmer cross in the 47th minute and Burns seeing his shot deflected inches past the upright.

Whitley then flung himself at a glorious cross by Jack Dorney but saw the ball fly the wrong side of the post and Matty Crothers should have scored when released down the middle but home keeper Ross Heywood blocked his effort from six yards.

On Saturday Trafford entertain Scarborough Athletic at Shawe View, kick off 3pm, and then travel over the Pennines on Tuesday night to play Farsley Celtic, kick off 7.45pm.