Curzon share the points in goalless draw at Southport

National League North Southport 0-0 Curzon Ashton

A second clean sheet in a row earned Curzon a fourth point from the opening two games after a stalemate at Southport.

A different side to the Nash's game was on show as defensive resilience replaced the free flowing attacking football of Saturday.

Southport's direct style of play caused problems for Curzon's back four who stood up well to the task, although they were indebted to Cam Mason for twice denying the hosts in one-on-one situations. 

An injury to Sean Miller and change in style of the opponent meant Mark Bradshaw opted for two changes to the starting line-up with Luke Merrill and Liam Davies replacing Isaac Sinclair and Miller.

That also meant a change in formation as Merrill and Davies slotted either side of Nicky Wroe and Robbie Evans in a flat midfield four with Luke Wall supporting Michael Elstone in attack.

The unchanged defence was under siege at times from Southport's weaponised long throws and the hosts nearly took the lead from one such instance midway through the first half.

Reagan Ogle launched the ball into the box where it was flicked on by one centre back, Ryan Astles, to the other, Dean Winnard, forcing Mason to make a smart stop with his feet.

The best chances for both sides fell in the second half.

Dion Charles - often a tormentor of Curzon's in the past - capitalised on a short back pass from Mo Ali but dallied in front of goal allowing Mason to clear the danger.

At the other end, Evans passed up the Nash's best chance after being found by Elstone at the edge of the box, but the Welshman couldn't keep his shot down. 

And Southport were again left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal when Mason saved well after another long throw routine, before rushing out to deny David Morgan as he bore down on goal.

Jack Banister, Isaac Sinclair and Callum Saunders - making his debut - all appeared late on as the Nash pushed for a winner, but in the end a point and an unbeaten start was just reward for a determined defensive display.

Curzon: Mason, Halls, Ali, Thornley, Askew, Merrill (Banister 78), Evans, Wroe, Davies (Sinclair 78), Wall, Elstone (Saunders 82).

Subs not used: Shaw, Cooke.

by Sam Hendry

Picture by @biddleofnowhere