TRAFFORD totally outplayed struggling Midlands outfit Chasetown on Tuesday night to secure a comfortable 2-0 away victory that moves them up into fourth place in Evo-Stik West.

Tom Baker’s side took the lead after just 10 minutes when Aaron Burns bravely challenged for a long pass downfield and the ball fell to Jack Dorney who side-footed home from 15 yards.

Trafford appealed in vain for a penalty when Spencer Gunnell appeared to catch Burns with a reckless challenge and home goalkeeper Curtis Pond saved at the foot of the post to deny Liam Ellis.

Visiting keeper Matt Cooper had to wait until the 40th minute before he was called upon to make a save, Jake Lovatt firing in an angled snapshot from 18 yards that he parried.

Ellis screwed a shot wide from the edge of the penalty area just before the interval but made amends four minutes into the second half when he released Burns down the middle and the deadly striker netted at the second attempt to make it 2-0.

The remainder of the game belonged entirely to Trafford as they retained possession with ease and made Chasetown chase shadows.

It was a return to winning ways for Baker's boys after a goalless home draw against Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

Defences were on top in a disappointing first half in which ex-Trafford striker Ashley Woods flashed a volley over in the 24th minute and Darius Palma twice went close shortly afterwards.

As half time approached Trafford upped the tempo and a superb last-ditch tackle by Bay centre back Will Bell thwarted Burns before visiting goalkeeper and debutant Andrew Coughlin denied Jimmy Moore with a magnificent save from point-blank range.

Coughlin pushed a low drive from 20 yards by Burns past his left-hand upright and the Trafford forward then just failed to connect with a Laurence Taylor cross.

The final 20 minutes belonged to Trafford as they mounted attack after attack and after Dorney wasted a free kick from a great position, an amazing goalmouth scramble saw Burns, Mark Derbyshire and Ellis all have close-range efforts blocked by the heroic Bay defence.

Ross Davidson headed a Declan Rydings cross over the bar, Taylor blasted over from 30 yards and then Ellis fired across the face of the Bay goal as Trafford desperately sought an opening.

However, it was not to be and two minutes into stoppage time Bay could have snatched all three points when Lassana Mendes gained control just eight yards out but was denied by a brilliant save by Cooper.

Trafford are without a game on Saturday but host Clitheroe on Tuesday in an Integro League Cup second-round tie (7.45pm).