Match report by Sol Finnon
A sensational goal from Alex Curran and a pair of fantastic strikes from the captain, Jimmy Spencer, sees off a valiant Chorley performance, as The Nash rise up to 5th, 8 points off the summit with two games in hand.
The man of the match, Luke Griffiths, got us underway in the first half with The Nash looking to respond to a 0-0 draw at Radcliffe. Curzon started the game with a strong tempo, controlling much of the ball and possessing the ball delicately in the area, creating a few half chances in the opening 15 minutes. The first half difference occurred from a sensational movement from Luke Griffiths in midfield, playing a ball through and breaking Chorley lines, to find the feet of the incredible Alex Curran, who went through on goal, turned a defender and nutmegged the goalkeeper, making it 1-0 to the Nash in the 17th minute.
Curzon had opened the scoring with an unbelievable goal from Alex Curran, forcing Chorley to try and find a way back into the game. A cross-cum shot from a Chorley winger found a Chorley forward who smashed the crossbar with a half-volley in the 21st minute. Although alarm bells were ringing, Curzon remained unphased, holding resolute throughout the remainder of the first half. Curzon had a multitude of different opportunities in the first half, with Stefan Mols displaying skill all throughout the first half, even creating a great opportunity for Alex Curran towards the tailgate of the half.
Chorley had a series of shots, Kole Hall having multiple opportunities for Chorley, hitting the post in the 45th minute after hitting the side netting shortly before.
HT 1-0
Curzon looked to start the second half as they did the first. The first phase saw Curzon controlling the game and creating some semi-opportunities, before Chorley began to counter with possession of their own, looking close to scoring on multiple occasions. Luke Griffiths was vital in controlling the game and slowing down the Chorley offensives, although Chorley had a high number of shots throughout the game, most were limited to distance.
Curzon began to soak up pressure in the latter stages of the second half, and attempted to hit Chorley on the counter in an effort to wrap up the fixture. Timi Sobowale was colossal and dealt with every threat he encountered. Jimmy Spencer was effective in holding the ball up for The Nash and dictating the rhythm of play, playing balls long, on one instance into the path of Isacc Buckley-Ricketts who nearly scored as he rounded the keeper but was tackled before he could make it 2-0.
However, after 40 minutes of impressive control game-management, it was the skipper, Jimmy Spencer, who rounded up a terrific night, with a brilliant double. The first of two came in the 86th minute when Spencer was played through on goal, electing to elegantly dink the ball over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net in stylish fashion, making it 2-0 and wrapping up the game for Curzon.
A third for Curzon arrived in injury time, when Spencer completed his brace, as Hayhurst played the ball into the path of Spencer inside the area, the captain turning a defender and smashing the ball into the top right corner to fully see off Chorley and close off the night with an emphatic 3-0 victory.
FT 3-0
Victory sees Curzon continue their promotion charge, as we now look forward to hosting Marine this upcoming Saturday in the Vanarama National League North.
