Trafford produced a desperately disappointing performance in their penultimate game of the season, losing 3-1 against promotion chasing Bootle.

The visitors were gifted the lead after just four minutes when Ollie Southern’s attempted header to goalkeeper Charlie Brier was seized upon by Ben Hodkinson who had the simplest of tasks in guiding the ball home.

Seven minutes later Hodkinson almost made it two when he collected a weak clearance by the home defence and saw his low drive held at full length by Brier.

Brier then produced another fine save to push a Lewis Earl header against the upright before denying Jack McGowan as the Bootle striker broke clear.

The first half came to a close with Charlie Brier in action once again, producing another great save to parry a powerful shot by Ryan Beigan.

The second half was similar to the first with Bootle in complete control and only goalkeeper Brier emerging with any credit for the disjointed Trafford side.

The 18 year old custodian, on loan from Blackpool, denied Courtney Duffus with a block from close range and then thwarted Ben Hodkinson once more with a great save from point blank range.

In the 58th minute Bootle doubled their advantage when Duffus broke clear in the inside left channel and coolly placed the ball just inside the far post.

In the 70th minute Brier pulled down Ryan Beigan following a mix-up with Scott Sephton but redeemed himself with an incredible save from Ben Hodkinson’s powerful spot kick, flinging himself to his left to deflect the ball against the crossbar and to safety.  

Another superb reflex save in the 76th minute denied McGowan and in the 87th minute Trafford were thrown a life-line they hardly deserved when Kyle Worsley flighted a left wing corner to the far post where Scott Sephton rose to head past Tony Thompson and make it 2-1.

However, a comeback never materialised, and in the 90thminute Bootle were awarded another penalty for a trip by Sephton and this time Hodkinson made no mistake, driving the ball hard and low inside the left hand post.

Substitute Isaac Modi almost snatched a consolation goal for Tom Baker’s side when he struck a thunderous drive from 25 yards that cannoned back into play off the crossbar but the game ended with Bootle fully deserving the three points that keep them just one point outside the play-off positions.

Trafford’s torrid season comes to a close on Saturday when they travel to play Congleton Town at the Cleric Stadium, kick off 3 p.m.