Match Report by Leon Higgins

Team News:

1st half starting XI: C.Hawkins, T.Sobowale, J.Amado, C.Stokes, J.Stobbs, Trialist A, C.McLean, Trialist B, Trailist C, J.Richards, A.Barton.

2nd half starting XI: C.Hawkins, M.Poscha, B.Darby, J.Stafford, C.Stokes, J.Amado, L.Griffiths, Trialist B , A.Curran, A.Barton, J.Rodwell-Grant.

The Nash started the first half well as inside 3 minutes, Crispin McLean hit a first time effort cleanly straight into the hands of Silsden goalkeeper Tommy Brown. Two minutes later Trialist C had a goal disallowed after being released in behind the Silsden defence before chipping the keeper but was adjudged to be offside.

Another chance came a few moments later when Amado drove through midfield, a low striking effort was well held by Tommy Brown. In the 24th minute, Crispin McLean’s free kick was lofted into the box before ending up at the feet of Jack Stobbs on the edge of the box, whose lobbed effort just ended up going wide.

Curzon finally got the breakthrough in the 27th minute when Crispin McLean was found in behind and put a lovely chip over the Silsden goalkeeper into the back of the net. Three minutes later, The Nash continued the press for a second goal with two quickfire shots from close range, ending with McLean firing a shot at the centre of the goal before the ball being booted away by Brown.

Curzon almost doubled their lead in added time when Trialist A cut in from the left hand side, bending his effort just off the crossbar.

HT – Silsden 0-1 Curzon Ashton

After making five changes at half time, Mark Bradshaw’s side made a steady start to the second half with very few chances from both sides.

Joel Amado then went close as his headed effort from a corner just went wide, after making five more changes just after the hour, Curzon had another chance when the ball bounced around the area, with a couple of blocked shots, eventually landing to Ben Darby who’s lobbed shot just went over the bar.

Curzon had two chances in the last five minutes with the first coming when the ball fell to Luke Griffiths on the edge of the box, with his volley just over the crossbar then Ben Connolly brilliant low cross low across Tommy Brown’s goal, with no one there to fire home.

Drama in the last minute of the game when Silsden were awarded a penalty with Jack Cassidy placing his penalty into the back of the net to level things up and end the match in a draw.

FT – Silsden 1-1 Curzon Ashton

Curzon return to action on Tuesday, travelling to the Project Solar Stadium to take on Hyde United (19:45PM KO)