Curzon Ashton fail to take their chances in home defeat to Leamington in final home game of the season

CURZON ASHTON 1, LEAMINGTON 2

Curzon Ashton rued their missed chances as Leamington came out victors by the odd goal in this battle involving two mid-table teams. 

Curzon’s Achilles has been the final ball in the final third which was again apparent, something they will need to address for next season.

The visitors took the lead after two minutes when Curzon’s Marcus Poschal was dispossesses by Leamington striker Dan Turner who bared down on goal and slipped the ball past advancing goalkeeper Chris Renshaw.

Despite the setback, Curzon settled well and pushed forward at every opportunity. After 15 minutes Tom Peers had Curzon’s first effort when he shot from the edge of the box but Jake Weaver in the Leamington goal collected the weak effort with ease.

On the half hour, Alex Curran ran at the Leamington back line doing well going past three players and getting into the box he got his shot off which Weaver did superbly to palm the ball over the bar for a corner.

From the corner, Weaver again pushed a goal bound header onto the bar, as it came out Poscha headed the ball back in but again it hit the crossbar and out for a goal kick.

For all the dominance, Curzon could of gone in at half time two down after Jack Lane beat Renshaw with a shot from just inside the Curzon box but Scott Wilson saved Curzon’s blushes by heading the ball off the line.

The second half started as the first half with Curzon conceding a second goal in the 46^th minute.

From the kick off, Leamington pumped the ball forward and Charlie Williams got to the by-line to put in a cross which was deflected to the back post by Turner where Joe Parker was on hand to side foot home.

From then on Curzon huffed and puffed and on 62 minutes they had a great chance to pull a goal back after Peers forced a great save from Weaver, the ball then fell to Joseph Nolan whose shot sailed high over the crossbar.

Peers did well to hold off his marker to turn and shoot but didn’t trouble Weaver.

Curzon pulled a goal back in the 89^th minute when Poscha headed home from Jordan Richards’ corner, but it was not enough as Leamington defended well for the final four minutes of added time.

Curzon Ashton: (4-4-2) Renshaw; Challoner, Poscha, Barton, Wilson (Rain 86); Richards, Curran, Nolan (Whitham 78), Mahon ; Hobson (Dimaio 55), Peers. Subs (not used): Lussey, Teale.

Goals: Poscha (89) for Curzon Ashton, Turner (2), Parker (46) for Leamington.

Attendance: 247.

Match report Dave Jones