Curzon Earn Point On The Road

National League North: AFC Telford Utd 1-1 Curzon Ashton

Dom Knowles' first half header was enough to earn Curzon Ashton a share of the points in their first game of 2021. The game was originally expected to kick off at the Tameside before a change in venue less than 24 hours before kick-off. Despite this, both teams contributed to this entertaining fixture. 

The hosts threatened the opposition goal during the first after a skilful run from the Telford danger man Dom McHale. Good close control and clever movement afforded McHale a yard of space to get a shot away but a great defensive block prevented Cam Mason being brought into action early on. The Bucks continued to probe the Nash defence but could only muster half chances at best.

Steve Cunningham’s side settled into the game however and began to dictate the game. Full back Matty Waters sent a cross into the direction of Knowles who brought the ball down with excellent technique. Waters continued his run into the box and was found by Knowles, the full back’s shot though was brilliantly blocked by the Telford defender.

As the close of the half approached, Curzon found their breakthrough. Pressing from Rob Evans and Alex Curran forced a defensive mistake in the Telford third of the pitch. Curran picked up the ball and sent in a powerful cross towards the six-yard box where Knowles was waiting. His clinical header bounced of the post and into the back of the net – his seventh goal of the campaign.

The hosts had been second best in the first half and came out looking determined to alter that. McHale stood over a freekick on the right-hand side of the pitch and took a shot at goal trying to catch out Mason, but the Nash number one was equal to the effort. 

Mason was then called into action twice in quick succession to keep his teams lead intact. A flick on from Jason Oswell went straight into the path of Aaron Williams who found himself one-on-one on goal. Mason was quick off his line and smothered Williams’ shot to safety. Moments later a Telford header from a set piece looked destined to nestle into the bottom right corner but for a stunning low save from Mason.

The Telford pressure finally broke through the Nash defence with 20 minutes left in the game. A corner from the left was met by the free runner Oswell on the run – he emphatically met the ball first time on the volley to bring his team back on to level terms.

The Telford pressure continued to be applied but they failed to create any clear-cut chances in the closing stages. The best chance to win the game fell to Curzon close to the fulltime whistle. Blistering pace from Jacob Hanson allowed him to pick up a loose ball on the right before sending in a dangerous cross into the direction of debutant Craig Hobson in the penalty area. Hobson met the cross with a header but unfortunately for the Nash and Hobson, Russ Griffiths was perfectly placed to claim the ball.

Report by Curzon's website