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Curzon Ashton 3-1 Radcliffe Borough

Simon Shuttleworth
24/ 9/2008

CURZON came back from a goal and a man down to defeat a lacklustre Radcliffe side.

The first half was largely uneventful in footballing terms, but notable for the dismissal of Chris Curley, shown a straight red after 27 minutes for a high and wild challenge.

The only real chance of the half came after Michael Norton had bullied his way into the box past two opponents, but his left-footed volley drew a superb fingertip save from Phil Priestley.

While the first half had been rather drab, the second burst into life straight away.

A corner from the right found Lee Unsworth, completely unmarked in the centre of the six-yard box, and the Radcliffe defender headed home what must have been one of the easiest goals he has ever scored.

The goal finally galvanised the home team into action, and the traffic was one way after that.

On 50 minutes, Phil Edghill was released down the left, and his pinpoint cross to the back post was scuffed wide from close range by Alex Elliott.

Two minutes later, and Curzon secured the equaliser when Radcliffe failed to deal with a high ball which Chris Worsley nodded to Norton, who drove it past Priestley.

Curzon went ahead on 59 minutes when the keeper failed to hold onto Norton’s flick under pressure from Edghill and Elliott calmly placed the ball into the open goal from the edge of the area.

Despite the home team’s dominance, the visitors had one more chance from a set piece when looped the ball of target when he should have done better.

The scoring was completed on 70 minutes when Elliott weighted his pass perfectly into the path of Norton, who advanced on goal before coolly slotting it past Priestley.

Attendance: 162