TRAFFORD secured a comfortable but crucial three points with a 3-0 home victory against Chasetown that moves them to within touching distance of the play-off positions in Evo-StikWest.

After a bright start in which the visitors made several last-ditch tackles and blocks, Tom Baker’s side surged ahead in the 18th minute when Declan Rydings' defence-splitting pass released Matty Bryan who drove confidently past the advancing Curtis Pond.

Darius Palma just failed to connect with an Ally Brown cross, Bryan’s shot was tipped over by Pond and the Chasetown keeper then produced a breathtaking save to push over a 25-yard thunderbolt by a rejuvenated Danny Wilkins.

It seemed to be only a matter of time before the hosts would strike again with Ross Davidson whistling a low drive just wide and the second goal duly arrived in the 37th minute when Chasetown failed to clear a Jack Dorney free kick and Jimmy Moore bundled the ball home from close range.

Trafford made a sloppy start to the second half with several misguided passes and a drop in tempo and in the 57th minute on-loan goalkeeper Elliot Wynne saved brilliantly to thwart Niall Flint.

Visiting substitute Kieran Francis fired wide at the far post and boss Baker bravely made a triple substitution in an attempt to get his side back on track.

Aaron Burns drilled a shot over from 20 yards following a neat turn that bamboozled the Chasetown defence and the points were finally secured five minutes from time when Burns released Bryan down the left, he outpaced his full-back and crossed hard and low for Liam Ellis to net at the back post.

Wynne uncharacteristically fumbled a Flint shot in the dying seconds but the 3-0 victory was secured and Trafford now sit just one point outside the play-off positions.

On Saturday, they make the journey over the Welsh border to play Colwyn Bay for a league fixture that, due to floodlight problems, kicks off at 1pm.