- Buckley-Ricketts (82')
First Half
A cagey opening 20 minutes provided little openings for either side. The Nash did have the ball in the net on 15’ from Stefan Mols, however the assistant referee already had their flag in the air for offside.
On 25’, Luke Griffiths was a tad fortunate as he caught Sandgrounders player Danny Lloyd high up, a yellow card was shown. A little later, Curzon were forced into an early change as Ben Darby made his way onto the field and replaced Isaac Sinclair.
5 minutes before half time, Jimmy Spencer curled the ball just wide of ex Nashman, Chris Renshaw’s right post to the groans of the travelling Curzon faithful. Spencer also managed to pick up a yellow card before the half was completed.
Second Half
The 1st chance of the 2nd half was for the hosts around the 55th minute as a header fell just wide of Jones’s post. Spencer had a fantastic chance with around 30 minutes to go but somehow the ball went wide.
Curzon were in charge of the game, but it wasn’t until the 82nd minute that The Nash took the lead. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts finding the back of the net after some fantastic controlled possession with at least 20/25 passes before IBR delicately placed the ball into the back of the net. The travelling support delighted to break the deadlock.
Manager Craig Mahon made his way onto the field to make his 175 Nash appearance as Southport were now the ones to apply pressure. Callum Spooner with a chance but it went wide at the back post. Another Nash change saw Timi Sobowale come onto the pitch to support the defensive effort and Curzon played out to the final whistle and a win.
The result means it’s the 4th time in a row that they make it into the Fourth Qualifying Round. The draw will be made on 30th September to determine their next opponent with the game scheduled for the weekend of the 12th October meaning the Marine FC game will be rearranged.
#UTN | #TheNash
Match Report by Oli Biddle
