Trafford got back to winning ways with a superb victory at in-form Chasetown and are now level on points at the top of the NPL West Division table with a game in hand on Vauxhall Motors.
The hosts were unbeaten in the league since a defeat at Clitheroe on the opening day of the season and the artificial pitch at their Scholars Ground made Trafford’s task all the more difficult.
However, Karl Marginson’s side settled immediately to play some neat composed football with Isaac Noble sweeping a great ball across the face of the Chasetown goal in the opening minutes but unfortunately no-one was on hand to apply the finishing touch.
Brad Byrne struck a powerful 30 yard drive straight at home keeper Curtis Pond in the 19th minute whilst at the other end Sam Booth dealt comfortably with a low drive by skipper Jack Langston.
The home fans were stunned in the 32nd minute when Trafford surged ahead, Brad Byrne pushing the ball through to Damola Sotona who held off a Chasetown defender and struck a great low shot in off the far post.
Shortly afterwards visiting centre back Jordan Fagbola hacked the ball clear after Booth had parried another Langston shot and Sotona survived vehement home appeals for a penalty after a coming-together with Danny Glover.
In the 36th minute Trafford struck again when Rio Clegg beautifully controlled a searching pass by Jerome Wright and advanced to coolly place the ball past the advancing Pond.
Chasetown were clearly rocked by this second goal but responded gamely with Kieren Fenton heading onto the roof of the net in the dying seconds of the first half.
The Midland based team came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half and Sam Booth performed heroics once more when he tipped a header by Tom Unwin over the bar.
Sean Higgins then produced a brilliant goal-line clearance after Jordan Fagbola and Harry Norris got into a mix-up and Sam Booth saved at point blank range to thwart a header by Glover.
In the 64th minute Chasetown pulled a goal back with a quick break down the left, frustratingly following a Trafford throw-in, Ben Lund releasing Jack Langston who side-footed the ball past Booth from ten yards.
Glover headed over from close range and Sam Booth pushed a Ben Lund effort past the upright as the hosts sought the equaliser, but Trafford’s game management was magnificent with the experience of Jordan Fagbola, Jerome Wright and Harry Norris once again invaluable and, roared on by their wonderful travelling supporters, there was an air of inevitability when the final whistle signalled their victory.
Trafford now turn their attentions to Saturday’s FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Tie in which they host Ashton United at the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium, kick off 3 p.m., before returning to league action on Tuesday night when they entertain Mossley, kick off 7-45 p.m.