Match Report: South Shields 1-2 Curzon Ashton

South Shields FC hosted Curzon Ashton for their opening home fixture of the 24/25 National League North campaign.

Last season saw Curzon take four points from the Mariners with 0-0 draw at the 1st Cloud Arena then a 2-0 loss away from home.

The match started very quick for both sides with both teams wanting to assert their dominance.

Both sides were testing the goalkeepers very early on with a chance from Curzon in the 4th minute which forced Boney to make a save. Then Mee in the 6th minute who found the ball in space on the egde of the area, who's effort was also saved by Jones.

Curzon struck in the 17th minute after Shields were caught on the break on the left hand side, Spencer attempts a through ball but Heaney managed to get something onto it but unfortunately it fell to the feet of Luke Griffiths who was able to convert and place the ball into the bottom left corner.

Buckley-Ricketts was proving to be a dangerous outlet for Curzon as he received the ball on the egde of the box after a loose pass from Okeke, after some clever footwork, his shot from the edge of the box was saved by Boney.

New Mariner, Jid Okeke was growing into the game and was also proving to be a dangerous asset to South Shields with his crossing and dribbling ability.

Jones was being forced to make some crucial saves for Curzon with attempts coming from Mee from outside the area a number of times.

A free-kick from the left hand side of the pitch found the head of Briggs who's clearance wasn't perfect as it found the head of Matthews but his attempt was saved by Boney.

Both sides were proving to be very dangerous but it was South Shields who were on the front-foot during the second half with Curzon sitting back, soaking up the pressure and trying to hit Shields on the counter attack.

It was looking like the game was going to end 1-0 but Shields weren't going to give up easily as they were forcing Curzon back.

A ball over the top from the middle of the area from Briggs found Broadbent who had pushed forward, determined to get something for the Mariners, he shielded the ball fantasically and layed it off to Crossley who saw an open Will Jenkins in space just inside the box.

Jenkins' touch set him up perfectly as he was able to wrap his shot into the top-right corner and the 1st Cloud erupted in celebration. It was certain that this was the last kick of the game and Will Jenkins had rescued a point.

We were still playing in the 97th minute and Curzon had a corner, the ball was played into the box, Broadbent gets a head to it and it flies up into the air with Curzon attempting an overhead kick which is unsuccessful, the ball is now in open play with Briggs running towards it with a Curzon player behind him.

Briggs (still on both feet) is on the end of a sliding challenge from Curzon Ashton's No.4 Marcus Poscha (that is behind him), both go to the floor, and in complete disbelief the referee blows his whistle for a penalty to Curzon Ashton.

The penalty is converted by Hayhurst and Curzon Ashton take all three points home with them.

FULL TIME: South Shields 1-2 Curzon Ashton

South Shields Starting XI 1.Boney, 2.Okeke, 4.Bramwell, 7.Heaney, 8.Briggs, 9.Blackett, 10.Jenkins, 12.Ward, 18.Mee, 25.Rutledge, 33.BroadBent (Substitutes used: Crossely (61’), Shepard(67’) (Substitutes not used: Seymour, Taylor, McGowan)

Curzon Ashton FC Starting XI 1.Jones, 4.Poscha, 5.Matthews, 6.Griffiths, 7.Buckley-Ricketts, 8.Sinclair, 9.Spencer, 10.Mols, 11.Hayhurst, 19.Richards, 22.Barton(Substitutes used: 12.Waring (88’), 16.Darby (77’), 17.Afuye (90’), 21.Mahon (81’) (Substitutes not used: 2.Sobowale)

Match Officials

Referee: Mr L Hible Assistants: Mr U Ahmed, Mr J Howell Fourth Official: Mr G Hart