Curzon Grab late Winner

Report by Dave Robinson

Curzon grabbed the trophy with a last gasp winner after a combative affair at Hurst Cross. Chris Lynch was first to try his luck and was narrowly wide on the turn from the edge of the area. Halfway through the first period Brooke fed the ball to Denham who looked sure to score but dragged his effort wide of the target.
A left foot snap shot by Freakes was then held by Burton and the same player was just wide after a bursting run from midfield. For the visitors Lakeland’s long cross to the far post saw McDonagh put a header well wide. Ten mins from the break Brooke’s persistence set up O’Neill in the 6 yard area but he was crowded out and the final action of the half saw Burke exchange passes with Brooke before firing over.
At the start of the second half a long ball put Chris Denham in the clear but he was denied by the left foot of Burton. Moke then reached the byline but failed to pick out Denham with his pull back and Kay’s effort from 20 yards was hit straight at Phillips.
Multiple substitutions followed from both sides before O’Neill headed Baguley’s corner over the bar and then a miskick by Gorton let the ball fall to Kay who missed a sitter from inside the 6 yard area. Substitute Baguley was having an influence on the game for Ashton and his curling left foot effort was pushed away by Burton before a fine run from fellow sub Pilkington saw the same player sidefoot wide.
With penalties looming Kay had the final word as a right wing cross reached him and his deflected effort dribbled home passed the wrong footed Phillips.

Ashton: Philips, Beattie, Pearson, Gorton, Lynch (c), Burke, Denham, Freakes, J O’Neill, Brooke, Moke. Subs: Pilkington, Baguley, Sibeni, Hoctor, Riley, Madeley, Herve, Cookson.