MATCH REPORT: Nash 0-3 Bucks

10-Man Nash Dismantled by Marauding Bucks

Photo by Oli Biddle (@biddleofnowhere)

Craig Mahon’s Curzon Ashton suffer their first taste of defeat in eight games to the hands of Buxton.

First-Half

The Bucks started the brighter as Connor Kirby picked up a loose ball about twenty-five yards, striking towards goal but it’s calmly dealt with by Cam Mason. This would spell the theme of the clash as Joe Ackroyd broke down the left wing, getting a shot off, but the combination of Devon Matthews & Cam Mason nullified the threat. Cam Mason wouldn’t want to remember this moment as he gave the ball away well outside his box, opening an opportunity for Sam Osborne to have a go but rose too high of the crossbar. Brilliant link-up from Adam Barton & in-form Jimmy Spencer would bring the hosts’ first opportunity as the latter sees his shot deflected & pushed away by Joe Young.  

Second-Half

The Nash did start the second-half brighter than the first as Jamie Allen found himself some space on the right wing, laying the ball for Jordan Richards who loops the ball well over the crossbar. Rhys Hughes looked to replicate his previous goals against Droylsden & Southport as he latched onto a ball from range, firing low & wide of the goal. However, despite this early second-half pressure, the visitors would break the deadlock as Sam Osborne found the bottom left corner from the right side of the box, Cam Mason rooted to the spot, 1-0. A rare mistake by Curzon Ashton’s Marcus Poscha would pave the way for Jake Wright to snatch the ball away, the ex-County man ended up bringing the Bucks winger down in the box attempting to atone for the mistake, leaving Gareth Thomas no choice but to give a penalty & dismiss the centre-back. Jak McCourt would take the spot kick, slotting the ball away into the bottom left corner, 2-0. The third would come soon after as another defensive mistake, this time by Devon Matthews, gives Sam Osborne an opportunity to cut onto his left & shoot towards goal, with Jordan Richards trying in vein to get the effort away from goal, 3-0. The defensive frailties would continue as Cam Mason gives the ball away to double goalscorer Sam Osborne outside the area, who can’t make the most of the gifted opportunity. Curzon Ashton would have a guilt-edged opportunity soon after as Hayden Campbell & Jordan Richards linked up inside the box, the latter not able to lift his effort over Joe Young. The shotstopper had a perfect afternoon up until a scary moment with not long to go as he slipped, giving Hayden Campbell an opportunity to get a goal back only for Max Hunt to clear off the line. Eoin McKeown would make some impact coming on as he went through on goal but spurning his shot over the bar. Sam Minihan wanted a piece of the action as he attempted to dink the ball over Cam Mason but only finding the top of the net.

Line-Ups, Substitutions & Officials

Curzon Ashton XI – 1. Cam Mason (GK), 4. Marcus Poscha, 5. Devon Matthews, 9. Jimmy Spencer (Captain), 11. Will Hayhurst, 12. George Waring, 15. Jamie Allen (Hayden Campbell 76’), 19. Jordan Richards, 21. Craig Mahon (Marcel Lewis 67’), 22. Adam Barton, 24. Rhys Hughes (Isaac Sinclair 58’)

Curzon Ashton Bench – 20. Luke Taylor (GK), 6. Alex Kenyon, 7. Isaac Sinclair, 8. Hayden Campbell, 26. Marcel Lewis

Buxton XI – 16. Joe Young (GK), 3. Adam Livingstone, 4. Jak McCourt (Curtis Weston 86’), 5. Josh Granite (Captain), 6. David Shiels, 7. Jake Wright (Dylan Mottley-Henry 82’), 8. Connor Kirby, 11. Sam Osborne (Eoin McKeown 73’), 12. Sam Minihan, 29. Joe Ackroyd, 32. Max Hunt

Buxton Bench – 9. Diego De Girolamo, 14. Dylan Mottley-Henry, 17. Eoin McKeown, 19. Max Brogan, 23. Curtis Weston

Officials – Gareth Thomas (Referee), Michael Robinson (AR1) & Peter Dingle (AR2)

Match Information

Curzon Ashton 0-3 Buxton

Saturday 3rd February 2024 – 15:00 KO (GMT)

Vanarama National League North – MatchDay 30

Tameside Stadium, Richmond Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 9HG

Attendance – 374

Goalscorer(s) – BUX: S.Osborne 55’ 65’, J.McCourt 60’ (Pen)

Match Report by Rhys Hastings Owen