Match Report by Joel Longworth

The Nash started the game on the front foot with Stefan Mols running into the box but he was intercepted by an on rushing George Willis before he could shoot. Less than a minute later Curzon had another chance to go ahead as Jimmy Spencer played in Isaac Buckley – Ricketts who scooped his shot out of the ground. After a quick start by Curzon, Alfreton got their first chance in the 5th minute, with Adam Anson’s long range effort, which ultimately was fired over the bar.

After a short interval due to Alfreton keeper George Willis going down for treatment play resumed and Stefan Mols was involved for once again for Curzon as he played the ball into Spencer who tried to flick it round the corner but it ended up at the keeper.

The 35th minute mark passed and Curzon were surviving many long balls, crosses and long throw-ins that Alfreton were piling on top of them to try and break the deadlock, George Willis’ attempted throw to clear the ball landed at the feet of Isaac Buckley-Ricketts whose shot blazed over the bar for the second time.

Just before half-time The Nash were awarded a a penalty.

Alfreton’s Dwayne Riley and James Spencer collided in the box when challenging for the ball and the referee awarded Curzon a penalty. Stefan Mols stepped up, his stuttered run up sent Willis the wrong way and slotted into the middle of the net for his 9th goal of the season.

The first half ended with Curzon winning 1-0 and deservedly so.

As the second half got underway, Alfreton were creating early pressure that Curzon had to deal with through freekicks and corners, both sides were becoming extremely unhappy with the referee and his decisions as Alfreton thought they should have had a penalty.

61 minutes in and a penalty shout for Curzon was waved away after Stefan Mols was brought down inside the box. Alfreton had a chance to draw level 2 minutes later, with striker Jed Abbey having a free shot inside the Curzon box, Goalkeeper, Bobby Jones rushed out and saved his shot resulting in a corner.

Into the final 20 minutes, Alfreton were continuing to pile the pressure on but Bobby Jones was standing firm as substitute Liam Waldock shot was saved. With only 3 minutes of the normal time remaining Captain, Jimmy Spencer had a glorious chance to double Curzon’s lead as his outside the right footed shot smashed against the left post.

The game ended 0-1 to The Nash as they return to the top of The National League North and look to continue to stay at the top when they visit Needham Market on Saturday the 4th of January.

Next up: Needham Market vs Curzon Ashton