Trafford fell to their second defeat in four days when another late, late goal gave an impressive Workington side all three points.
The visitors were on top in the opening stages with Brad Carroll firing over and Liam Brockbank blasting a drive that was parried by Matty Cooper.
Trafford midfielder Jordan Wynne then pulled a fine pass across the face of the Workington goal but Darius Palma just failed to connect at the back post.
Lewis Salmon’s stretched header was then held by James Atkinson as Trafford battled spiritedly against their well drilled opponents and Declan Rydings fired over from 15 yards following more good work by Wynne.
A defence dominated half ended with Workington’s David Symington curling a free kick from the right that was neatly saved by Matty Cooper.
Both teams pushed forward at every opportunity in the opening minutes of the second half but once again clearcut chances were at a premium, Symington rifling another long range effort just over in the 71st minute.
Two minutes later Workington substitute Gari Rowntree was sent off following a series of reckless challenges but the visitors superior experience shone through and their ten men continued to dominate possession.
Symington went close again with a low drive that was held by Cooper and the game appeared to be heading for a goal-less draw when tragedy struck for the hosts five minutes from time.
Workington won a corner out on their left, the ball was played hard and low to the near post and Daniel Wordworth somehow bundled it home inside the packed goalmouth.
Trafford were unable to recover from this set-back and so fell to a demoralising defeat that leaves them pointless after two games.
However, they must now put that behnd them and prepare for their FA Cup Preliminary Round Tie at home to Burscough on Saturday, kick off 3 p.m.