Match Report by Sol Finnon

Curzon Ashton defeated Warrington Town 1-0 at the Cal.Delivery stadium on Tuesday night, as a 27th minute Devon Matthews headed strike resulting from a Craig Mahon corner was enough to see off The Wire. 

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts got Curzon underway, before the first big chance of the game fell to Warrington Town in the third-minute, when Warrington’s Connor Woods witnessed his free kick from 25 yards out sail slightly over the bar. Warrington then proceeded to dominate the early stages of the game, enjoying bright spells of possession. The energetic combination of Warrington’s midfield partners; Bohan Dixon and Jay Harris, proved initially difficult to handle.

Curzon gradually improved their retention and grew into the game as they won their first corner of the game in the 26th minute. Player-Manager, Craig Mahon, swung in an excellent delivery at the near-post, with the ball landing on the head of Devon Matthews, as the defender converted the ball into the bottom right corner in sublime fashion, marking his personal second goal of the season. Curzon had built a lead and defended it.

Curzon were able to contain their lead throughout the remainder of what was a fairly uneventful first half, as Curzon began to dominate possession and hold the ball, rendering any potential Warrington opportunities as null. Buckley-Ricketts attempted an audacious long shot in the 45th minute just before the break, but had his shot ultimately drift wide.

The second half began as the first had ended, with Curzon dominating possession and containing play. Curzon were able to create a series of second half opportunities, one of those key chances arriving in the 49th minute, when a Richards cross met the head of Buckley-Ricketts in a moment of suspense that saw the keeper tip the ball out for a corner. Other opportunities throughout the second half consisted of another Buckley-Ricketts shot in the 76th minute and an excellent Michael Ayufe effort that was saved in the 78th.

Throughout the game, Warrington tried to build momentum and to create a presence in the final third, but were denied the ability to do so by the excellent defensive performance of the back four, particularly, Devon Matthews and Marcus Porscha, both of which were individually sublime in restricting Warrington play, and are largely to thank for a great away result.

An incredibly ambitious half-way line effort from substitute, Luis Lacey, in the dying embers of the game looked to challenge the keeper but ultimately dipped out, minutes before Curzon continued to defend resolutely by blocking channels of play and making sure of a 1-0 victory that secured the 3 points.

An away win at Warrington and a 15th clean sheet of the season means Curzon remain top of the table, with a 3 point lead and a game in hand over second place, King’s Lynn Town. The Nash will now turn their attention to facing South Shields at The Tameside Stadium on Saturday.

The promotion charge continues! UTN

Next: Curzon Ashton vs South Shields

National League North

Saturday, 14th December – 15:00

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