NANTWICH Town’s assault on the top half of the Evo-Stik Premier Division table took a blow when they were beaten 4-0 at Trafford on Saturday.

Boss Danny Johnson was able to recall Scott Lycett, Steve Jones and Adam Pepper to the bench for the Dabbers, while Adam Jones missed the game through injury.

Dabber started will with Aaron Burns finding Iain Howard, but the midfielder’s shot was blocked as it headed goalwards.

Shelton Payne was a consent thorn in the Dabbers’ side with his pace for the hosts, but Mat Bailey was able to keep him at bay early on.

Bailey could have scored himself on eight minutes when a corner kick was swung inwards, but the big centre back’s header drifted just wide of the goal.

Nantwich keeper Aaron Ashley had to be on hand to make two Gordon Banks like saves to keep the game goalless.

But Trafford took the lead on 33 minutes when David Brown brought down Rory Fallon just outside the area.

Payne fired towards goal and young Dabbers keeper Ashley could only help it into his own net.

Andy Smart rattled the bar for the hosts before the break, but they were able to double their lead after the interval through Michael Oates.

With 23 minutes remaining Trafford made it three when Payne cut inside before lofting the ball over Ashley.

Three minutes later and Payne had his hat-trick after being brought down in the area by Mark Jones, before stepping up to slot home from the spot.

Dabbers visit Workington AFC on Saturday.

Former Northern Ireland international Steve Jones made a cameo appearance with 20 minutes left, but his only effort was easily saved by the Trafford stopper.

Nantwich Town: Ashley, Brown (Lycett), White, M Jones, Blake, Bailey, Mukendi (S Jones), Howard, Burns, Harrop and Meaney (Pepper). Subs not used: Winslade, Clayton.

Nantwich Town were saddened to announce life vice president Neville Clarke died on Tuesday, aged 80.

Clarke joined the old club committee back in October 1959 and served the club with integrity and distinction for more than half a century.

He served the club in almost every conceivable capacity from training the youth team in the 60s to becoming assistant secretary for 17 years.