HOLDERS Trafford kept a firm grip on the Integro League Cup trophy with a thrilling 5-2 second round victory over Ramsbottom United on Tuesday night.

Manager Tom Baker saw his side storm into a two-goal lead inside the first 15 minutes.

Recent signing Max Hazeldine fired them ahead in the 10th minute following a slick move before Darius Palma was then tripped in the box after a fine run and picked himself up to score the resultant spot kick.

Joel Amado went close before the third goal came shortly before half-time, Sam Egerton driving an effort into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

Having shown his skills down the left, Darius Palma made it four in the 63rd minute when he outpaced the visiting defence and drilled the ball home.

Two minutes later Sam Egerton glanced a header past his own goalkeeper Matty Cooper to make it 4-1 and shortly after Egerton tripped Iyrwah Gooden allowing Nic Evangelinos to clip the penalty past Cooper.

Rammy sensed a chance with Cooper then needing to produce a sharp saved to deny Eddie Moran.

The visitors kept coming with Mason Fawns's strike from distance cannoning back off the crossbar.

Trafford finished the stronger though and after Lewis Salmon and Palma were denied, Sam Baird completed the scoring with a fine header.

Following their recent poor BetVictor North West Division form, Baker's boys losing 2-1 at home to Kendal last Saturday, this was a much-needed victory for Trafford and they will be hoping to build on it on Saturday when they travel to Prescot Cables, the game kicking off at 3pm.