CURZON ASHTON 2, ALFRETON TOWN 1
What a heroic display from 10-man Curzon Ashton who beat Alfreton Town to climb back into the National League North play-off spots.
The Nash were forced to play 78 minutes – if you count stoppage time – with a numerical disadvantage after having Marcus Poscha sent off early in the match.
And the scenes of celebration at the final whistle showed how much it meant as Curzon moved back up to seventh place.
It was also a great response to Saturday’s 3-0 home loss to Buxton as their eight-match unbeaten run came to a halt.
Manager Craig Mahon explained: “We spoke pre-match about responding to that defeat and following the sending off everyone showed character.
“People know we can play, but not many knew we could battle like that. In the second half we showed our dogged side.”
Mahon added the great versatility within his squad enabled them to cope with the sending off.
He said: “I spoke to the management after the sending off and didn’t see the need to make changes as we have a very versatile team.
“Alex Kenyon switched from midfield to centre of defence and looked as though he had played there all his life.”
Mahon added the win means on Saturday they head on to ex-EFL club Scunthorpe United, who are second in the table, in excellent spirits.
“It will be one of, if not our toughest away game of the season. We go there full of confidence and will be looking to implement our own style of play as we always do,” he said.
Curzon were gifted a 10th minute opener when Alfreton keeper George Willis, who was once on the books of Sheffield United, inexplicably dropped a catch from a corner as Kenyon forced the ball home.
The momentum shifted towards the Derbyshire side after 20 minutes when Poscha handled a header which was looping into the net.
Jordan Thewlis’ spot kick struck the upright but Josh Clackstone, following up, found the net with a low drive.
Adam Lund for Alfreton and Curzon’s Adam Barton had chances before the visitors were lucky not to be reduced in numbers when keeper Willis handled outside the box only to escape with a yellow card.
Curzon grabbed their winner in first half stoppage time when Jordan Richards drove over a low cross which Barton forced home.
The second half saw Curzon a threat on the break as they produced some great counterattacking moves.
Alfreton caused minimal trouble given their extra player, though keeper Cameron Mason made a decent save to deny Thewlis.
Gerry McDonagh had a header cleared off the line while Curzon defended resolutely with defensive blocks and tackles keeping the visitors at bay as Mason was not overworked.