TRAFFORD slipped to their third successive home defeat, losing 4-0 against an impressive Ramsbottom side and their hopes of promotion from Evo-Stik West have now all but faded.

There was little to choose between the teams in a lively opening, home keeper Matty Cooper saving from Nic Evangelinos in the seventh minute and Trafford striker Danny Wilkins volleying wide shortly afterwards.

Liam Ellis was then cautioned for simulation after what appeared to be a legitimate claim for a penalty but gradually the visitors assumed control and took the lead in the 37th minute.

Rammy right-back Kyle Jacobs was allowed oceans of space as he ventured forward and flighted a delightful cross to the back post where Evangelinos arrived to volley past Cooper.

Four minutes later the visitors struck again when they were awarded a free kick 25 yards from the Trafford goal and skipper Tom Kennedy stepped forward to strike a magnificent shot over the defensive wall and into the top corner.

Things could have got even worse for Trafford when, on the stroke of half time, Jamie Rainford broke clear down the right but screwed his shot wide of the far post.

Matty Bryan went close to reducing the arrears just after the hour mark and Jamie Rother volleyed wide from 15 yards as Rammy sought a third.

That third goal duly arrived in the 72nd minute when Rainford cut in from the left and expertly placed his shot inside the far post from 15 yards.

Cooper produced a brilliant save to thwart Kieran Lugsden but then blotted his copybook when he allowed the same player to climb high and head home a right-wing corner in the 76th minute.

Substitute Anthony Donaldson almost made it five when he struck a close-range volley straight at Cooper but the visitors were more than happy with four goals in a win that moves them up into fifth place.

Tom Baker’s side face another difficult task on Saturday when they travel to fourth-placed Leek Town and will be desperate to get back to winning ways.