TRAFFORD’S faint hopes of promotion were extinguished on Saturday when they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Mossley leaving them 11 points outside the Evo-Stik West play-off positions with just three games to play.

A strong wind and hard surface made creative football difficult, although Trafford enjoyed the majority of the possession throughout.

However, the hosts should have taken the lead after just three minutes when Mike Fish shot over from just eight yards.

Ex-Trafford defender Adam Jones then flashed a header wide of the near post following a right-wing corner and in the 18th minute Trafford created their first chance when Darius Palma volleyed weakly at goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw.

Palma was finding oceans of space out on the left and delivered several fine crosses that Trafford failed to capitalise on.

The first half ended with both sides having half chances, Sam Egerton firing over for the visitors following a Danny Wilkins corner, and Jones screwing a shot well side from the edge of the penalty area after a slick Mossley move.

Five minutes into the second half Jones demonstrated his goalscoring instincts once more when he headed home at the back post following a left-wing corner to make it 1-0.

Shortly afterwards, however, Palma should have equalised when he scythed through the Mossley defence but telegraphed his intentions and allowed Ollerenshaw to save.

Trafford substitute Adam Farrell squandered a similar opportunity in the 70th minute when he broke clear but dwelled too long on the ball and allowed Godwin Abadaki to clear.

The closing minutes were frustrating for the visitors as Mossley resorted to time-wasting tactics, taking an age over corners, free kicks and throw ins, and making three substitutions in which the player leaving the field trundled slowly from the opposite side of the pitch.

Despite this loss, Trafford can take great credit from the fact it was their first away defeat since January 19 – a run of six games – and they must look at their indifferent home from as being the reason why they are not challenging for promotion.