Match Report

This game was not just a dress rehearsal for the League Cup final in 8 days time but a must win game for both teams. Middlewich who are 4/5 games behind most teams in the league can still win the division as long as they win their games in hand and Curzon were looking for all three points to keep the pressure on the top three.  It was also a chance for both sides to take a look at each other as this was the first meeting between both clubs. 
A good turn out on the bank holiday Monday saw a good game of football and two sides who play different types of game. Middlewich play the percentage game pumping long ball after long ball to their giant of a centre forward Mike Brandon while Curzon opted to play through midfield and on the ground.  The pitch didn’t help, with so many games on it over the past few weeks it was bobbly and this made it difficult for both side to really control and pass. But Curzon played the better football in the 1^st half but found as did Middlewich that both set of defenses were in no mood to concede.  Jordan Gill had the task of marking Brandon and did a great job by only allowing him one chance due to a slip but Brandon did not take it.
At the other end Jamie Byrne had two good, half chances. Both fell to him with his back to goal and twice he tried the overhead shot but keeper Matt Conkie was there to collect. Aiden Derwent had a good chance also when the ball came out to him from the box but he shot wildly and it flew wide of the goal but the next time the ball came out to him he made no mistake.  Following Ben Richardson Throw in Middlewich could only clear to the edge of the box and Derwent hit it back straight on the volley with so much power that Conkie did not have chance to react and it hit the back of the net before he realized that it had gone past him.  This was only what Curzon deserved as they were the side trying to play the football and working hard in every department. 
In the second half with the wind behind them and the hail coming down Curzon looked comfortable as Middlewich tried to step up a gear, as the hail stopped and the wind dropped Curzon got their passing game back on track and went looking for their second goal but again both set of defenses were strong. But then referee Ian Hurdle decided to tell Adam Jones to leave the field of play because the scab on his knee had come off and blood was showing, as he was off Middlewich launched a attack and Jordan Gill was defending well but Middlewich got a lucky bounce and the ball fell to Brandon and he stuck a foot out and the ball rolled towards the post, hit it and rolled over the line. Middlewich now sensing a win put in a good spell and attacked Curzon with their long ball but the young defence stood strong and keeper Keith Jones was never called upon to make a save but in the dying minutes it was Curzon who could of won the game firstly Craig Gorman hit a shot from around 20 yards which forced Conkie to palm over the bar, then Johnny Sarcevic was so unlucky when his header from a Dane Buller corner hit the crossbar. 
The final between the two sides on Wed 2^nd April is nicely set up and should be a very good entertaining game if this game is anything to go by.  Curzon are next back in action this Sat home to Gamesley kick off at 3pm.
Team: (Goal Scorer(s) in bold) Keith Jones, Ryan Burgess (Sam Hinchcliffe), Ben Richardson, Jordan Gill, Adam Jones, Ben Blease (c), Adam Buckley (Dane Buller) Craig Gorman, Jonathan Sarcevic, Jamie Byrne, Aiden Derwent (Jordan Leach).
Subs not used: Taras Vorobel & Darren Riddett