Trafford’s nightmare start to the season continued on Tuesday night when they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle Town, leaving them without a win after seven league games.

Both teams conceded possession far too often in a scrappy and disjointed first half although Oliver Ritchie almost gave Town the lead in the 19th minute but was thwarted by a brilliant last ditch block by Brad Byrne.

Ten minutes later Trafford winger Campbell Reid gave the ball away on the half-way line, the hosts broke away and Joel Jones shot from 25 yards took a wicked deflection before looping over visiting keeper Connor Eastham.

Following a half-time roasting by manager Karl Marginson, Trafford came out for the second half with far greater determination and commitment and in the 47th minute a Campbell Reid header was cleared off the goal-line.

Kieran Molloy then cut in from the right but curled his shot wide and at the other end Connor Eastham reacted brilliantly to block a drive by Reuben Falding.

Trafford piled forward in search of the equaliser and in the 76th minute Molloy outpaced the Town defence but was denied by another fine save by Joe Slinn.

Substitute Cian Donohue fired straight at Slinn from the edge of the penalty area and then squandered a great chance when his header from point blank range was directed too close to the impressive Town keeper.

The host’s game management in the closing stages was exemplary as they retained possession with great control and their superbly drilled defence, led by an outstanding performance by centre back Lewis Brown, was relatively untroubled.

Trafford, on the other hand, were left to reflect on yet another damaging defeat and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they travel to play Atherton Collieries, kick off 3 p.m.