Match report by Joel Longworth 

Curzon Ashton knocked out Stalybridge Celtic from the Manchester Premier Cup on a foggy Tuesday night as Timi Sobowale scored the winning penalty for The Nash which saw off a resilient Stalybridge performance.

The Nash started the game well creating all the early chances with Spencer playing in Isaac Sinclair who failed to beat Charlie Monks in the Stalybridge goal. Into the final 10 minutes of the first half, Curzon had two great chances to take the lead but Monks pulled off two outstanding saves from Stefan Mols and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts headers.

As the end of the first half approached The Nash finally broke the deadlock, Devon Matthews played a wonderful ball over the top of the Stalybridge defence to find Isaac Sinclair who brought the ball down brilliantly and placed his shot into the bottom right corner.

Curzon were deserving of their lead at half time but Stalybridge were still in the game.

The second half started evenly with both sides trying to keep hold of the early possession. Curzon doubled their lead through Captain, Jimmy Spencer, on the 56th minute when Adam Barton played a lovely ball over the top of the Stalybridge defence and Spencer slotted it into the bottom left corner.

Into the 60th minute, Stalybridge had a goal back through Benni Smales-Braithwaite. He stole the ball from Matthews, ran into the box and sent his powerful shot through Bobby Jones’ near post.

Five minutes later Curzon had a massive opportunity to restore their two goal cushion but substitute Michael Afuye failed to test Monks. As the 70th minute came around Stalybridge levelled the game, Branthwaite crossed the ball across the Curzon box and Kyle Brownhill chested it down and volleyed it into the bottom left corner.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, Stalybridge took the lead. Navid Nasseri played Lewis Rawsthorn in behind The Nash defence and his shot powered into the bottom left corner.

With 4 minutes of added time at the end of the second half, Curzon were awarded a penalty in the 90+1 minute as Isaac Buckley-Ricketts was brought down, Stefan Mols stepped up and slotted his pen into the bottom left corner to bring the score level and take it to penalties.

After 90 minutes the game ended 3 – 3 and went to penalties.

Penalties

Stalybridge won the toss and went first with Jack Irlam stepping up and scoring.

After scoring a 90+2 minute penalty at the end of ‘normal time’, Stefan Mols stepped up again and calmly slotted it into the net.

Stalybridge responded with Lewis Rawsthorn smashing his pen into the top right corner.

Griffiths was next up for The Nash, he stepped up and made no mistake to make it 2-2.

Nasseri stepped up for Celtic who made it 3-2.

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts leveled the score to make it 3-3 and Jordan Burton responded to make it 4-3 to Stalybridge.

Louis Lacey, Liam Tongue (Stalybridge) and Will Hayhurst all converted their penalties to make it 5-5.

Tinning was next up for Stalybridge who blazed his pen over the bar.

Timi Sobowale had the deciding penalty for Curzon he stepped up and scored as The Nash won 5-6 on pens.

The Nash were victorious once again over Stalybridge Celtic as they booked their place in the semi finals of the Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup, against Hyde United.

The Nash will now turn their attention back to the league with a home game against Brackley Town on Saturday afternoon.