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Bradford Park Avenue 1 Curzon Ashton 2

Graham Shuttleworth
23/ 1/2008

A BRACE from Mike Norton not only sent Curzon home with maximum points, but with clear daylight at the top after the chasing pack all lost two points.

There was too much at stake to consider that this game could have been anything other than the tight and tense encounter it was.

After their last minute winner at the Tameside Stadium two months ago, Bradford were looking to close the difference between the two sides to two points as well as boasting two games in hand.

It was the home side who made the early running with Curzon failing to make any real headway until the 10th minute when Norton got his head to a ball forward which bounced harmlessly into the hands of Jon Worsnop.

Paul Staneman headed wide for Bradford before Curzon replied immediately as Worsnop used his feet to block Eddie Stanford’s volley.

Michael Moseley headed off target for Bradford who went behind just before the break when Rhodri Giggs drove a corner to Chris Curley at the far post.

He then found Norton who took a couple of paces before driving the ball low to Worsnop’s right-hand side and into the net.

The second period began in the same manner as the first with Bradford looking to get back on level terms, but it was the visitors who increased their lead on 56 minutes.

Norton chased a long ball forwards, looking to round the keeper who went to ground along with the striker.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot for a penalty which Norton duly dispatched for his 22nd league goal of the season and 29th in all competitions.

Pressure began to build on the visitors’ goal as Curzon stood firm while looking to hit Bradford on the break as Carnell was forced into a save low to his right.

Bradford got the goal they were looking for six minutes from time when a free kick ended with Stuart Howson’s header finding the net.

Although it looked as if the assistant referee’s flag had ruled it out, the goal stood following a lengthy consultation with the referee.

Curzon were really put under pressure moments later when a foul on Giggs caused a melee which ended with Chris Worsley being sent off.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, plus six minutes of stoppage time, Curzon held firm and retained their place at the top of the division one North table.

Attendance: 546