A late penalty from Jack Hazelhurst saw Marine take all three points at The Tameside Stadium.

The Nash started the game well with Luke Griffiths swinging a ball into the box as Jimmy Spencer’s goal bound shot was blocked. Shortly after Marine had their first chance of the half as Finlay Sinclair-Smith had the ball on the left hand side as his cross into the box went out for a corner.

Midway through the first half, Isaac Sinclair had the ball on the right hand side as he elected to shoot at Andrew Wogan with Isaac’s shot being easily collected. Marine then went down the other end with their captain Bobby Grant shooting from the right hand side of the box which went just wide of the far post.

Shortly before the half time whistle, The Nash had two great chances to go in front as Isaac Sinclair played the ball to Stefan Mols with his shot going over the bar. Sinclair was involved again moments later as he whipped a great ball into the box with Stefan miss controlling, leading to Jimmy Spencer’s shot being blocked.

Half time arrived with the game being fairly equal as both teams were creating chances but failing to capitalize with The Nash needing to win to maintain their playoff push.

HT 0-0

The second half began with The Nash having an early freekick as Hayhurst whipped the ball into the box with Stefan Mols’ stretching shot going just over the bar.

Shortly after Marine went down the other end as Ben Darby failed to clear the ball with Jack Hazelhurst’s volley falling kindly into Bobby Jones’ hands. Curzon began to gain control of the game as substitute Michael Afuye did brilliant work down the right hand side as his cross found Isaac Buckley-Ricketts at the back post and his header back into the box found Timi Sobowale who blasted his shot over the bar.

Midway through the second half, Marine had a chance to put themselves ahead as Finlay Sinclair-Smith was played in behind The Nash defence and Bobby Jones pulled off a great save.

The latter stages of the second half ticked along with Curzon having the majority of the possession but failing to break down Marine’s resolute defence. Into the final four minutes, Marine had a penalty. Curzon failed to clear their freekick and many challenges inside the box led to the referee awarding a penalty.

Following his decision captain Jimmy Spencer confronted the referee resulting in him receiving a straight red card. Jack Hazelhurst stepped up and slotted his penalty into the bottom left corner with Bobby diving the right way but failing to get a touch on it.

This result keeps Curzon in the playoffs only by a single point.

FT 0-1

Curzon will look to get back to winning ways as they host Manchester rivals Radcliffe FC at The Tameside Stadium on Tuesday night.