TRAFFORD fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of a Curzon Ashton Xl in front of a sparse crowd at the Home Estates Shawe View Stadium on Saturday.

New signing Lewis Salmon squandered two great early chances for the hosts, shooting straight at goalkeeper Mark McCoy when he broke clear and then firing high and wide from six yards when McCoy fumbled a Kayde Coppin drive.

In the 17th minute the visitors forged ahead with a fortuitous goal, Trafford skipper Sam Egerton turning the ball past his own keeper following a cross from the right.

Danny O’Brien almost made it two when he shot weakly at Matt Cooper but just a minute before the interval Curzon struck again when a deep corner from the right was headed home at the back post by Andy Halls.

Trafford created the better chances in a scrappy second half, Darius Palma seeing his drive deflected over in the 58th minute and then Adam Rooney heading inches wide following a fine cross by Palma.

Trafford entertain Chester FC on Saturday (kick off 3pm) before playing host to neighbours Altrincham on Tuesday, July 30, kick off 7.45pm.

Then it’s the turn of last season’s BetVictor West Division champions, Atherton Collieries, to visit on Tuesday

August 6.

The last friendly takes place on Saturday August 10, when Scarborough visit Urmston to take on Trafford with a 3pm kick off.

Prices for the friendlies are £5 for adults, £3 for concessions, for pensioners and 16 and 17-year-olds and only £1 for under-16s.

Trafford chairman John Eadie said: “We offer a fantastic day out for families, older people and youngsters and indeed anybody who likes to watch regular 3pm Saturday football.

“The club is only four steps away from the Football League and our prices offer great value for money to people who want to watch highly competitive and skilful football.

“It is magnificent when you see what Salford City have achieved from the lower levels and how attractively they play.

“They have engaged the local community with a brand of no-nonsense competitive and highly skilful fast-paced football.

“We want to call upon local people in and around the Trafford area to come down to Shawe View Stadium to support their local team.

“we need to boost our numbers through the turnstiles if we are to reach our true potential.”