Curzon fall to fifth consecutive defeat

National League North: Farsley Celtic 2-1 Curzon Ashton

It was late heartbreak in Yorkshire as Farsley Celtic struck twice in the last few minutes to snatch three points away from a dogged Curzon Ashton.

The Nash were much improved from Tuesday's defeat against Blyth Spartans and should have taken a first half lead when Callum Saunders won and took a penalty only for his effort to be controversially saved by Kyle Trenerry, who appeared to be several yards off his line when the kick was taken.

They did strike first through a stunning goal from Daniel Trickett-Smith, but substitute Isaac Baldwin equalised for the hosts to set up a frantic finale.

A coming together between Mo Ali and Farsley striker Jimmy Spencer would prove costly as the Nash defender was shown his marching orders allowing Celtic to throw everybody forward leading to Will Hayhurst netting the winner deep into injury time.

It means the Nash's winless run stretches to ten games, but confidence must be taken from a much more solid defensive performance against an in-form Farsley.

New signing Mike Calveley was thrown straight in for his debut and he impressed with his physicality alongside Andy Halls and Nicky Wroe in midfield.

Trickett-Smith made his first league start and he created the first chance of the game when his out-swinging free-kick found the head of the unmarked Matt Regan. The centre back had a clear sight of goal but couldn't keep his effort down.

Farsley hit back with an aerial chance of their own midway through the first half and the Nash had Kai Calderbank-Park to thank for keeping the score goalless as he reacted quickly to claw away Nathan Cartman's close range header.

The penalty arrived just after the half hour mark and was the result of terrific closing down from Halls to win the ball back in midfield. He found Trickett-Smith who fed through Saunders in the box who had his legs taken from him by Adam Clayton.

Saunders went hard and firm to the keeper's left but Trenerry got a strong fist to the shot and then denied Nicky Wroe from the rebound.

The Nash continued to frustrate their opponents in the second half with their willingness to close down noticeable and the majority of 50/50 challenges going in their favour.

Their hard work led to the opening goal as Merrill picked up a second ball and laid it off for Trickett-Smith. The skilful midfielder took a quick touch to get the ball onto his right foot and whipped a glorious 25-yard effort into the too corner.

The euphoria of that goal looked like it was going to see Curzon to the finishing line as they continued to deal comfortably with any Farsley attack.

But that changed three minutes from time when a loose ball slipped between Ali and Olly Thornley allowing Baldwin to bear down on goal and finish neatly with the outside of his right foot.

A point was now the minimum requirement, but the Nash were left in a sticky situation when Ali's long-running battle with Spencer culminated in the worst possible outcome for the visitors. 

The game was inside the 90th minute when the linesman noticed Ali swinging an elbow in the striker's direction, leaving him little choice but to summon over referee James Westgate who issued a straight red card.

Farsley sensed their opportunity and threw everyone forward in search of a winner.

And with the clock ticking well past the allocated three minutes additional time, Jordan Richards lumped one more ball into the box which fell kindly for the onrushing Hayhurst to blast through the bodies and into the corner.

Farsley: Trenerry, Richards, Hayhurst, Higgins (Walton 70), Ellis, Clayton, B. Atkinson, C. Atkinson, Spencer, Cartman (Syers 70), Parkin (Baldwin 70).

Subs not used: Wynne, Francis.

Curzon: Calderbank-Park, Halls, Regan, Wroe, Ali, Thornley, Sinclair, Calveley (Merrill 68), Saunders (Banister 88), Trickett-Smith, Davies.

Subs not used: Wall, Askew, Baillie.

By Sam Hendry