TRAFFORD scored twice in the second half to inflict only a third defeat of the season on visitors Northwich Victoria.

Their reward is to progress to the Integro Doodson League Cup’s next stage, while Vics turn their attention to an FA Cup second round encounter with Northampton Town this weekend.

Indeed, they made eight changes to the side that started Saturday’s league match at Prescot.

Evan Gumbs fired over and goalkeeper Dane Smith was alert to deny Sam Noar’s attempt with a boot as Trafford looked more likely scorers early on.

At the other end, defender Ryan Ledson diverted Gary Burnett’s effort, while custodian Russell Saunders parried Matty Clarke’s drive.

Burnett intercepted Connor Roberts-Nurse’s poor pass, but his shot was deflected to safety by Andy Langford.

Trafford escaped again when Luke Horrocks, a former Vics player, smuggled another Burnett attempt off the line after he had dribbled past Saunders.

Sam Noar’s header from Gumbs’ cross put the hosts ahead on 64 minutes, but was denied a second when Cedric Krou blocked his next attempt.

Gumbs put the tie out of Vics’ reach in the final quarter of an hour, sending a rising shot beyond Smith after advancing down the right.

The visitors’ custodian was at full stretch to tip over Jack Dorney’s snapshot, then Langford made a mess of a header from Chris Palmer’s assist.

Trafford | Saunders (GK), Gumbs, Horrocks (Lambert 55), Jacobs, Langford, Ledson, Palmer (Martin 86), Roberts-Nurse, Noar, Dorney, Tuanzebe (Stott 63) Subs not used Shuker, Green Goals Noar 64, Gumbs 77

Vics | Smith (GK), Ali, Duxbury, Cook, Michael Clarke (Howard 75), Krou, Matthew Clarke (Quirk 44), Roddy, Amis, Burnett, Sanogo (Byrne 46) Subs not used Springthorpe (GK), Astles Booked Sanogo

Referee David Croft (Birkenhead)

Attendance 99