Weekend Football Round-up - Curzon lead National League North

A double from Curzon Ashton captain Jimmy Spencer fired his team to the top of the National League North table after a 3-0 opening day win against newly promoted Needham Market.

The visitors from Suffolk held the Nash to a goalless opening 45 minutes, but Spencer opened his account for the season after rounding the keeper on the hour. 

Creative midfielder Stefan Mols doubled Curzon’s advantage a couple of minutes later, before Spencer wrapped things up with a smart finish in injury time to propel Craig Mahon’s side to their highest-ever league position. 

“We had a little bit of a chat at half-time about how we could do things better,” said the player-manager, who subbed himself off just before the first goal. “We definitely got a reaction out of them, but the lads have been class from day one of pre-season.  

“It’s a long old season and nobody wins the league on the first day, and you don’t lose the league on the first day, either. We’ve just got to focus on the next game.” 

In the Northern Premier League, a new-look Hyde United started with seven debutants against Mickleover, but it was captain Jack Redshaw who put the Tigers ahead on 21 minutes. 

The veteran forward volleyed in from the edge of the box after his first effort was cleared off the line. Yusuf Mersin kept Hyde at bay before that with superb saves from Redshaw and man of the match Ayo Quadri. 

However, Mickleover were much improved in the second half, and their pressure told when Dylan Edwards – grandson of rugby union legend Sir Gareth Edwards – tucked away a rebound after Callum Hiddleston saved his initial penalty. 

The Tigers will be without Drew Baker for the next fortnight after a stoppage time clash of heads left him with concussion. 

Over at Hurst Cross, Ashton United dominated Blyth Spartans but could only draw 2-2. 

“It was only going one way for 94 minutes,” Robins boss Steve Cunningham told the club’s YouTube channel. “I’ve never seen a more one-sided game of football in my entire life.  

“I don’t mean to sound disrespectful to Blyth, but their players, their fans, their management know that they’ve got away with one there. We should have had double figures.” 

Despite constant Ashton pressure, it was the away team who led at half-time thanks to a Nicky Deverdics drive.  

Centre-half Dan Cowan hit the woodwork straight after the restart and Jason Gilchrist – who scored 25 times last season – had a goal chalked off for offside before equalising jon 64 minutes. 

Darius Osei gave Ashton the lead 15 minutes later, but Spartans levelled against the run of play via former South Shields man Michael Woods. Blyth almost snatched an unlikely 3 points as United pushed for a winner, but a last-ditch Sam Baird tackle saved the day. 

Late goals were the difference for our sides in the NPL West Division, with Matty Bryan converting a 92nd minute Moses Masaba cross to push Stalybridge Celtic over the line against Stafford Rangers. 

By that stage, a resilient Rangers were down to nine men following red cards for James McQuilkin and Joe Robbins, but it was a deserved opening day win for James Kinsey’s side, who restricted the opposition to just one shot on target. 

Elsewhere, it looked like Kacper Mialkowski debut goal would be enough for Mossley, until a 93rd minute equaliser from Newcastle Town’s Jack Derbyshire spoiled the Lilywhites party. 

“It’s a disappointing goal to concede,” Mossley boss David Fish told the club’s YouTube channel. “A free header from a corner in injury time, it’s something we've talked about all week the importance of set pieces.” 

Old stager Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro scored on his debut for Glossop North End, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Hillmen from slipping to a 2-1 home defeat against South Liverpool in the NWCFL Premier Division. 

The 39-year-old former Rochdale and Oldham Athletic striker hit an instant reply after Elliot Owen gave the away side a 19th minute lead. 

However, Owen converted a second half penalty to leave Glossop pointless at the foot of the table. 

After bashing 8 goals past Shawbury United last Saturday, New Mills played out a goalless draw with Barnton at Church Lane. 

The point was enough to keep them in 3rd place after five games in the First Division South. 

In the First Division North, Droylsden romped to a 6-1 win against Steeton. 

A first half hat-trick from Joel Ankers gave the Bloods a comfortable lead at the break, before goals from Caelan Kilheeney, Ben Lowe and Shaq Lewys gave Dave Pace’s side their largest victory of the season so far. 

Midweek Fixture (all games Tuesday, 7:45pm kick-off unless stated): 

Bamber Bridge v Hyde United 
Warrington Rylands v Ashton United 
Atherton Collieries v Stalybridge Celtic 
Mossley v Clitheroe 
Stockport Town v Glossop North End (Monday, 7:45pm)  
New Mills v Stockport Georgians 
Nelson v Droylsden (Wednesday, 7:45pm)