TRAFFORD FC boss Tom Baker insists he has been impressed with the Shawe View's side form during pre-season despite some challenging circumstances.

Baker was given one of the first major tests of his fledgling managerial career on Tuesday ahead of the 2-2 draw with Vanarama Conference Premier side Altrincham.

He said: "Our goalkeeper Russ Saunders failed a fitness test before kick-off as he picked an injury against Ashton and we thought he would recover but didn't.

"Then Ryan Ledson picked up an injury against Bury then missed Ashton United and that left us with only one centre-back in Daniel Lafferty

"Our other defender Josh Granite was away on holiday so we used our left back Caldercott in there and he did a great job.

"Despite that we have had some good results in pre-season and the squad is looking strong building for the first game.

"We have had a lot to contend with by picking up injuries and others on holidays but whoever has come in has done a job.

"Everything is so positive and want to keep building up for the new season."

One such impressive result was Baker's side defeating his former club and Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit Ashton United 4-0 on Saturday.

Trafford took the lead in the 18th minute when Ashton keeper Ole Martin tripped Chris McDonagh and the visiting striker dusting himself down to blast the resultant penalty into the roof of the net.

Trafford doubled their lead on the stroke of half time when Ben Deegan collected McDonagh’s crossfield pass and advanced to rifle the ball past Martin from 10 yards.

Baker's side struck again in the 58th minute when the menacing McDonagh was tripped once more in the penalty area and coolly placed his spot kick past Martin to make it 3-0.

And that soon became four when substitute Porya Ahmadi broke clear of the home defence and clipped the ball past the advancing Martin.

Three minutes later Ahmadi crashed a drive just past the near post from 20 yards and two minutes from the end Ashton striker Kevin Leadbetter was unfortunate when his run past three Trafford defenders ended with a shot that cannoned back into play off the foot of the post.

The final whistle signalled a superb victory for Tom Baker’s newly assembled side and just reward for a performance full of skill, passion and honest endeavour.

Trafford continue their pre-season preparations on Saturday when they make the short journey over to Irlam Town, kick off 3 p.m.