Match Report By Dan Needham
Goals from Paul Blackett and Caden Kelly ensured The Mariners left the Tameside Stadium with all three points.
The visitors looked lively in the opening stages of the game, with multiple chances on goal. Their attacks included runs in behind from striker, Paul Blackett, however they struggled to take an early lead.
Despite Curzon Ashton being defensively minded during the first half, the Nash’s first clear cut chance saw Barton’s half volley effort intercepted, and several crosses into the box, before South Shields could clear the ball.
The visitors took the lead in the 18th minute, courtesy of forward, Blackett. A through ball in behind Curzon’s defence found Blackett in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Hawkins, before Blackett took it around the keeper to open the scoring.
Ten minutes after Blackett’s goal saw another chance for the league leaders, after a free kick whipped into the back post was headed on target. Hawkins made an unbelievable save to stop the visitors from extending their lead.
Another opportunity for South Shields came from Cain Skyes, as he played the ball well down the wing, before receiving it back and firing a pass across the face of the goal. Hawkins got a hand to the ball, before the Curzon defence could clear it.
HT 0-1
At the start of the second half, the ball fell to Joel Amado inside the penalty area from a corner, yet his attempt was blazed over the crossbar. South Shields doubled their lead in the 65th minute as Caden Kelly hit a long range effort that curled into the top corner of the net.
Brad Holmes pulled one back for the hosts in the 74th minute. He converted from the penalty spot with a bottom corner strike, after being brought down in the box by goalkeeper, Sheil.
Tony Weston almost created an equalising goal for Curzon after winning the ball back in a promising position. His exceptional run with the ball however didn’t result in a goal, as the ball was blocked and cleared by the South Shields defence.
A final chance for Curzon saw Holmes volley the ball over the crossbar, missing the target whilst Curzon were still hunting for an equaliser.
The Tyne & Wear side held onto their lead until the final whistle; to gain another three points and their 7th win of the season. Despite Curzon’s best efforts to equalise in the final stages of the game, they couldn’t manage to break down the strong South Shields defence.
FT 1-2
The Nash now return to cup action with a trip to Chester on Saturday as they look to continue their FA Cup campaign.
