Lancaster City 0 - Curzon Ashton 1:

CONTROVERSIAL GOAL

 

Lancaster City and Curzon Ashton met in a game vital to both sides chances of making the play offs at the end of the season and in the end the points went to Curzon with a controversial second minute goal.

 

The game had hardly begun before an attempted clearance by Lancaster’s Paul Haddow spun back into the home penalty area and despite appearing to handle the ball, leading scorer Michael Norton was allowed to fire into the net to put Curzon ahead.

 

Lancaster came close to levelling the scores after 15 minutes when a shot from Lee Dodgson following a slick Lancaster move saw the ball whistle inches past a post.

 

Curzon had a chance of going further ahead from the penalty spot after 39 minutes but Lancaster goalkeeper Mark Thornley made a superb save to deny Norton.

 

Lancaster came out for the second half pressing forward for an equaliser but the visitors were determined to hang on to their lead and defended strongly allowing the home side few clear cut chances although they were denied a strong penalty appeal.

 

Lancaster replaced a defender with a more attacking player but this still failed to make any great impression on a resolute Curzon defence.  The visitors also looked to capitalise on any gaps that Lancaster left as they pushed forward but the home defence led by Michael Stringfellow comfortably kept the at bay.

 

Further Lancaster pressure was thwarted by the Curzon defence leaving the visitors celebrating a vital three points at the final whistle.

 

 

Game Rating: ***

 

Lancaster:  Thornley, Uberschar, Heffernan (Marshall 82), Teague, Stringfellow Capt, Entwisle, Osborne (Helliwell 86),Ward, Haddow (Coar 61), Jackson and Dodgson

 

City Subs Not Used:  Wilson, Beesley

 

Curzon:  Carnell, Birch Capt, Russell (Danville 44), Deen (O'Connor 76),Jones, Ogoo (Elliott 81), Worsley, Curley, Norton, Edgehill and Cartman.

 

Ashton Subs Not Used:  Goodeve

Goalscorer:     Norton 2mins

 

Man of the Match:  Michael Stringfellow  (Lancaster City)

Attendance:  196

Andrew Satterthwaite
Saturday 4th April 09

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