Curzon Ashton came out on top in what was a very one-sided affair against Telford on Saturday. Telford started the game stronger and applied plenty of pressure to Curzon’s backline however, that didn’t last long. Curzon took the lead in the 26thminute through new signing Benni Smales-Braithwite before getting another 2 goals before half time through each of their full backs, Connor Hampson, and Jordan Richards. The second half became very stale with both sides seeming to accept fate by just slowing the game down. Telford arguably had the better chances in the second half through their captain Blissett, however none of his efforts were good enough to beat Renshaw in the Curzon goal.
Curzon midfielder Sam Walker spoke to me after the game: “Curzon managed the game very well in the first half especially,” he went on to say how “we did a lot of good work in the first half which honestly won us the game.” Like many teams have done this season, Curzon clearly anticipated the physical game that Telford were going to play. Starting a tall and aggressive forward like Craig Hobson helped Lakeland’s men to counter the 6-foot 5-inch frame of Harry Flowers in the Telford backline. Hobson was key in that first half display with his physicality being crucial to Smailes-Braithewaite’s and Richards’ goals.
Telford on the other hand, played right into Curzon’s hands, and despite their number of chances, none of them were threatening enough to even leave Renshaw worried. The disappointment of the first half led to Telford fans booing the team off the pitch at the interval. I asked midfielder Robbie Evans about this after the game who said “3-0 at half time is not acceptable” and that if he “was a fan, he’d have most likely done the same thing.” He then went onto discuss how he felt “the game was completely gone in the first half” but was “pleased at how they improved in the second 45.” Telford will really need to start improving as they currently sit bottom of the National League North with just 7 points to their name and 13 points away from safety.
Curzon will look to keep this momentum going into their very busy Christmas period as they have lots of rearranged fixtures approaching. Next up for the Nash is a trip to one of the more local sides in the league, Chorley as both sides will be eager to pick up another three points to push back towards the playoff spots. Telford, on the other hand will play host to Banbury United at New Bucks Head. For now though, both teams have a full week off for once and you’d assume that it’ll be Telford who will have to use that week to get some work done on the training pitch.
Written by Ben Sinclair
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