KING’S LYNN TOWN 2, CURZON ASHTON 0
In what would prove to be a pivotal clash in the play-off and title picture, King’s Lynn Town got the better of Curzon Ashton in an end-to-end affair in East Anglia.
It was a lovely, sunny day at The Walks, one that was perfect for a game of football. The Nash were without standout goalkeeper Chris Renshaw, who missed out through illness, alongside wingers Hayden Campbell and Ryan Hall.
Curzon started brightly, defender Devon Matthews seeing a good, early chance fly just wide of Tommy Dixon-Hodge’s right post.
After 10 minutes, Curzon striker Tom Peers was in the right place in the right time to clear a header off the line.
It wasn’t long until the deadlock was broken, Gold Omotayo knocking in his 22nd league goal of the season with a close-range header.
Following the goal, the game slowed down and settled into a pattern. Neither King’s Lynn nor Curzon created much to speak of. That was until the 35th minute when, once again, Devon Matthews poked over from close-range.
Curzon carried on their momentum into the break with both Josh Hancock and Peers seeing chances clawed away by Dixon-Hodge. Although not the result he would have wanted, Adam Lakeland would without a doubt been happy by the showing his team produced in the first half.
Omotayo got the second-half proceedings underway, with both sides having plenty to play for. Once again it was the Nash with another chance. Peers took advantage of a poor back pass from Denton but could only fire his shot at Dixon-Hodge.
Curzon’s slim play-off hopes took a massive hit when Josh Barrett doubled The Linnets lead with a fine finish across Ollerenshaw in goal on the hour.
With 10 minutes to play, King’s Lynn’s Ben Stephens was sent off for what looked like serious foul play. Unfortunately for the visitors, they couldn’t quite muster anything of note to end the game, and their season.
Despite the win, both Curzon and King’s Lynn ended the match in disappointment. With AFC Fylde beating Bradford PA 2-0, they secured the Vanarama National League North title, at the expense of The Linnets. Curzon finished the season in a respectable 13th place, just three points away from a play-off berth.
A valiant effort from Adam Lakeland’s men, and a season they can be proud of looking ahead to the 2023/24 season.
Report: Rhys Jones.