Match report by Matt Stephens 

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts was the sole goal scorer as Curzon Ashton defeated Buxton to confirm three incredibly valuable points at the Tameside Stadium in the Vanarama National League North playoff race.

Bobby Jones earned his first clean sheet since January 28th as the Nash climbed back into the playoff places following the result, condemning Buxton to a slip into 9th place.

Curzon struggled to take charge of the game in the opening stages as neither side demonstrated any real threat, with Buxton applying the majority of the pressure but proving unable to create a dangerous chance.

Isaac Sinclair’s high pressure saw him steal possession in the final third in the 16th minute, where he poked the ball on to Jimmy Spencer – the Captain’s shot was Curzon’s first of the game, but didn’t impress as it looped into True Grant’s arms in the Buxton net.

Appeals for a free kick were waved away by the officials after Sinclair appeared to have been fouled while Spencer made his attempt, much to the frustration of the fans and Craig Mahon’s staff.

Luke Griffiths’ 24th minute free kick met the head of Spencer in the box as he leapt to try to convert the chance, but he could only find the hands of Grant for the second time in eight minutes.

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts displayed his class when he drove at the Buxton back-line and played an inch-perfect pass into the path of Alex Curran to send the midfielder one-on-one, but he couldn’t place his shot any further than Grant, who was yet to be really tested so far.

It took excellent link-up play for Curzon to break the deadlock through Buckley-Ricketts in the 42nd minute, when Curran broke free on the left-hand side and delivered a sumptuous pass across goal, leaving the winger with the easy job of dispatching from a few yards out. 1-0.

The Bucks had a big opportunity to level the scoring just before half time, but the striker scuffed his half-volley over the bar to let the Nash fans calm their nerves.

The referee’s half-time whistle gave Curzon the chance to reflect on a first half that indicated potential in the final third but lacked the killer-instinct in front of goal.

Bobby Jones’ heroics maintained Curzon’s lead in the 48th minute with a remarkable fingertip diving save off the back of Fitzhugh’s top corner-bound strike.

Curran made way for Conor Falls to make his home debut for Curzon on the hour mark, just minutes after he triggered a quick counter-attack by getting the better of two Buxton defenders using his speed and strength.

Will Hayhurst was forced off five minutes later as a result of an injury the full-back acquired in an especially physical battle, being replaced by Luis Lacey with 25 minutes of normal time remaining.

The Nash continued creating the better of the chances, practicing good organisation to prevent the visitors from breaching the defence for often – it’s worth noting Spencer’s performance, as he showed his own interpretation of the cliché ‘attack is the best form of defence’. The attacker’s passion was palpable and he nicked possession several times across the game to ease the defensive pressure and offer his side the chance to push up the field, before being replaced by Mike Afuye with 11 minutes left.

Both sides had late penalty appeals disregarded by the referee, leaving plenty of groans all over the stadium. Buxton were inches away from a 93rd minute equaliser, but were somehow unable to find the net amid a congested penalty area.

The result has given the Nash a healthy position as they return to the playoffs with games in hand on the sides around them, instilling confidence in the squad as they prepare to face Southport on Tuesday night.

The Sandgrounders, however, go into the fixture in mixed form, having won two and lost two in their last five matches, though they currently sit 17th in the table as a result of their 1-0 loss to Brackley this weekend.