Match report by Leon Higgins

Craig Mahon’s 200th Nash appearance ended in a red card and defeat in Herefordshire as The Nash suffered a setback in the race for promotion.

Hereford got out of the traps quickly with an early chance after 4 minutes when the ball fell to Remaye Campbell who shot from range but his attempt went straight into the packed terrace behind the goal.

The Nash then grew into the game almost instantly with Timi Sobowale finding Stefan Mols with a great ball down the right hand side with the Spaniard dribbling into Hereford’s box before his shot was brilliantly denied by Theo Richardson in the Hereford net.

The Nash had another chance 10 minutes later when Luis Lacey gave the ball to Alex Curran on the right who drove forward and cut inside on his left foot before his shot from just outside the area went over the bar. Curzon continued to push for the games opening goal and came close again when Luis Lacey took a short corner to the debuting Matty Litherland who’s cross reached Stefan Mols but could only guide his header into the side netting.

Matty Litherland once again showed his attacking threat with a ball over the top to find Alex Curran who could only fire his shot into the hands of Theo Richardson.

Hereford had a good chance of their own as Omari Sterling-James effort was comfortably saved by Bobby Jones. Issac Buckley-Ricketts then had a shot from far out but his attempt was ultimately wide and over.

The best two chances of the half came in added time for Hereford with the first coming from Tate Campbell, whose brilliant ball into the box found the head of Remaye Campbell which skimmed the post. 2 minutes later an unbelievable effort from Tate Campbell whose volley rattles the bar, meaning the sides went in at half time level with many chances combined with some scrappy played on a bobbly Edgar Street surface.

HT 0-0

Just like the first half Hereford started the half with the first chance as the ball fell nicely for Jaiden White who tried to curl his effort into the top corner from the edge of the area but The Nash defence managed to clear their lines. 3 minutes later, Hereford had another opportunity as Sterling-James received the ball on the left hand side and cut inside on his right foot and had a shot for goal but it was easily saved by Bobby Jones.

The Bulls did have the ball in the back of the net but the assistant raised his flag for offside but Hereford were soon to see a goal count a minute later in the 56th minute when Jaiden White controlled the ball on the edge of the box, with it flicking up and falling perfectly for a sensational well timed volley which flew perfectly into the bottom right corner.

They came close to a 2nd after some nice build up play with the ball sent into the box towards Remaye Campbell who just headed wide. Marcus Poscha produced a moment of defensive quality as he cleared the ball off the line following a Hereford low cross into the box.

Hereford got their reward and 2nd goal after a well taken close range finish from 2 yards from Remaye Campbell that sent the 2,642 in attendance wild after Campbell lifted the ball over the leg of Bobby Jones and into the back of the net.

It almost got worse for the Nash in the 70th minute after some nice play from Hereford with the ball falling for Remaye Campbell who’s volley from just outside the box went wide.

Curzon got a lifeline through Michael Afuye after William Hayhurst’s cross found Afuye at the back post whose header found the bottom left hand corner to give the Nash hope with 8 minutes left.

2 minutes into the 5 of added time Hereford made sure of the 3 points after a long ball over the top bounced over the Nash defence and made a run behind and followed in Yusifa Ceesay and lobed Bobby Jones. Matters got worse for Curzon after subbing himself on, Craig Mahon was sent off for dissent in the last minute of stoppage time.

FT 3-1

The result leaves Curzon 8th in the league table after Chorley’s 2-0 win against Alfreton and Kings Lynn 1-0 win at Buxton. The Nash sit a point outside the play off places which Hereford and King’s Lynn occupy on goal difference but crucially Craig Mahon’s side have 2 games in hand.

Curzon are on the road again next Saturday to face another big game against 4th placed Chester.