TRAFFORD MV slipped to a disappointing 41-0 defeat at Oldham last weekend.

The visitors missed a penalty opportunity to open the scoring and Oldham did the same a minute later.

However, it was evident early on that Oldham were running with more determination and aggression and it was going to be a game where MV had to stand up strong in defence.

The fortunes of the two sides were determined early on as Oldham crossed the MV line three times and at 21-0 after 20 minutes things were looking ominous for Trafford

They strived hard to get back in contention but were always on the back foot.

Things got worse before they got better when a penalty was followed by a pushover five-metre scrum to secure the bonus point and a half time advantage of 31-0 for Oldham.

Trafford made three changes at half time which brought an improved structure to the side and the better cohesion brought an improved defence and a more probing attack.

However, the home side struck with an early penalty to increase their lead.

MV were a much more competitive outfit in the second half and managed to nullify the home side's attack until the last minute when an attack of their own broke down deep in the Oldham half and the home side surged the length of the field to eventually score under the posts and seal a deserved victory.

MV are searching hard to find answers to their recent poor run and with good training sessions coach Ricky Phillips and captain Andy Quigley will be hoping to turn the corner soon.

The defeat saw MV slump to fifth in the ADM Lancashire Premier League as they prepare to host this weekend.