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Curzon Ashton 2 - 0 Bradford Park Avenue

9/ 4/2008

JUST how important the three points from this game are will only truly be measured at the end of the season.

One thing is certain though; Curzon thoroughly deserved their win as they went back to the top of the table after league leaders Skelmersdale United faltered.

It was Bradford who, like others before them, had the best of the opening five minutes, but it was the home side who had the first bite at goal as James Ogoo shot straight at Jon Worsnop.

Worsnop tipped over from Alex Mortimer, while at the other end, David Carnell comfortably saved Chris Gahgan’s header before Curzon went in front five minutes before half-time.

Chris Curley was fouled 20 yards from goal, to the right-hand side of the area, which saw Eddie Stanford drive the ball around the wall, leaving Worsnop well beaten at his right-hand post.

It should have been 2-0 three minutes later when Andy Watson broke out of defence, advancing 30 yards before finding Stanford and then heading the return cross to Chris Worsley on the edge of the six-yard area. Although his attempt at a turn and shot failed, the ball found Mike Norton who was unable to get it out from under his feet and the chance went begging.

If the first half was fairly even, the second period could have seen Curzon improve their goal difference substantially and leave their opponents embarrassed by the final scoreline.

Worsnop had already saved from Norton before the latter made it 2-0 on the hour, Gareth Morris finding Ogoo who was dragged to the ground inside the area, allowing Norton to drive the penalty home.

However, Bradford could have halved their deficit within a minute after Chris Ball lost possession to Mark Betts, only for the latter to waste the opportunity by firing wide.

With Bradford looking to earn at least a point, it became an end-to-end affair with the better of the chances going to the home side as Ball’s shot was deflected and Norton fired over.

Norton was denied by Worsnop on three occasions, Stanford’s goalbound effort was deflected out for a corner off Tom Baker, while Curzon peppered the visitors’ goal as time ran out.

Stanford knocked the ball too far ahead, Norton again tested Worsnop, while Jorge Gazapo fired just wide before seeing his header bounce over.