Oh what could have been….
Unlucky for The Nash, but many positives to take despite a 1-0 defeat to Scunthorpe
Heading into the tie, huge anticipation with Curzon faithful hoping lighting could strike thrice and another 1-0 victory, however it was not to be for Curzon who suffered defeat by the same score line with a goal early in the 2nd half being the difference maker.
Despite late pressure on The Iron backline, with even big Bobby Jones making his way forward from goal for a late corner, Curzon just couldn’t find an equalizer. However, Scunthorpe will be delighted to go home with the 3 points, despite being 2nd best for prolonged periods in the game.
The first half provided several opportunities for Curzon; however, it was Scunthorpe who came closest to opening the scoring when a wide free kick evaded everyone and came back off the inside of Jones’s post and was smashed cleared by the Curzon defence.
Curzon’s chances fell to Isaac Buckley-Ricketts who had put away a similar chance on Saturday at Rushall but tonight found the legs of unbeatable Ross Fitzsimons (6 clean sheets in 7 games). Devon Matthews also had a good header from, Player of the Month for August winner, Luke Griffiths, the cross found its way to Matthews head and then onto the top of the crossbar and over. Both sides huffed and puffed but at half time 0-0.
The first action of the 2nd half was the Scunthorpe goal, a deep corner found Will Evans who prodded into the net passed Jones, the 400+ Iron fans delighted to have broken the deadlock after a difficult first 45. Scunthorpe then took hold of the game for 15 minutes, but opportunities were only from distance with none troubling Jones into a save.
The last 30 minutes as Scunthorpe backed off meant Curzon threw everything at The Iron backline, Jimmy Spencer with an opportunity to score but firing wide and the same for Stefan Mols. A final change for Curzon saw George Waring come on to partner Spencer up front and Curzon “go long” but again the Scunthorpe defence and Fitzsimons repelling everything.
There was even time for one final throw of the dice as Jones joined the attack for a free kick and following corner, but this was punched clear by Fitzsimons and the referee blew the final whistle.
Despite defeat, The Nash will be incredibly proud of their performance with huge positives to take against The Iron, who move 6 points clear at the top of the table, Curzon drop to 4th and remain firmly in the playoffs.
#UTN|#TheNash
Curzon Ashton FC line-up
Jones, Richards, Poscha (Waring), Matthews, Hayhurst, Sinclair, Barton, Griffiths (Darby), Buckley-Ricketts, Mols (Afuye), Spencer.
NEXT UP
Away at Kings Lynn Town – Saturday 7th September 2024 – 3pm KO
Tickets -https://kingslynntownfc.ktckts.com/event/klt2425h04/kings-lynn-town-fc-vs-curzon-ashton
Full fixture list - https://www.curzon-ashton.co.uk/news/season-2425-fixtures-2868382.html
Team Sponsors