VILL POWELL’S Brighouse Town gave themselves a huge boost with a comprehensive away win at sixth-placed Trafford to pull further clear of the Evo-Stik League North Division drop zone.

The Mancunians were looking for the home victory over lowly Brighouse that could have lifted them into the play-off places. However, following a goalless first half, they were hit by two goals before the hour mark that consigned them to only their third home defeat of the season.

There was a new name on the scoresheet as Waide Fairhurst bagged his first goal for the club, breaking the deadlock five minutes into the second period. The chance, created by Iwan Heeley, was confidently put away by Fairhurst with a neat chip that beat home keeper Grant Shenton.

Heeley turned from provider to scorer nine minutes later when he carved out another opening, this time adding the final touch himself.

Trafford remain sixth despite their defeat, but Town climbed one place to 16th and, more importantly, extended the gap between them and the relegation places to six points.