CURZON ASHTON 1, DARLINGTON 3
Curzon Ashton’s push for a play-off place in Vanarama National League North continues to falter following a home defeat against relegation-threatened Darlington.
Despite picking up only one point from a possible 12 from their last four league fixtures, The Nash remain only two points adrift of the top seven.
It was a frustrating night for Curzon, who have won only twice in their last seven home games, as they were also hit by a double injury blow.
Central defender Devon Matthews limped off in the opening half and goalkeeper Cameron Mason hobbled for almost all the second half after hurting his leg as a Darlington player slid in for a 50/50 ball.
Darlington, by contrast, made it three wins from four as hopes of a great escape are looking a distinct possibility.
The third-bottom Quakers, not long ago nine points adrift, are now three points from safety after recording back-to-back wins for the first time since December 2022 as new manager Steven Watson, the former Newcastle, Aston Villa and Everton defender, has revived their fortunes since becoming their third manager of the season on December 31.
Both goalkeepers made important saves before Darlington took the lead in the 32nd minute when Quakers’ captain Toby Lees headed home a corner at the far post from almost on the goalline.
Curzon equalised shortly after the hour through substitute Marcel Lewis who had only been on the field for barely one minute.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who is on loan from Burnley, produced a neat turn on the edge of the penalty area before firing home his first goal in his third appearance for The Nash.
Lewis has had an interesting career having started out at Chelsea and had a spell at Belgium club Union SG before being signed by the Clarets.
Darlington regained the lead in the 75th minute with a spectacular 30-yard drive from midfielder Will Hatfield, a player who made 90 first-team appearances for Accrington Stanley.
They sealed victory in the fourth of seven-and-a-half minutes of added time when Andrew Nelson skipped clear on the left, cut inside and bent a low shot which went in off the far upright.
Nash manager Craig Mahon was critical of his side’s defending, saying: ”The first two goals we conceded were not of the standards we set.
“The third was when we pushed everyone forward looking for an equaliser. We were caught on the counter which I can accept.
“Marcel gave us life when he came on and, after he made it 1-1, I thought we might go on and win the game.”
Mahon added that Lewis, a box of tricks, did enough to warrant a first starting spot and he would have to look at ways of adjusting his formation to try and accommodate him.
He added injuries and suspensions have not helped their cause as they are a small group and don’t have the budget to carry a larger one.
“I prefer it to be tight knit. It is all about the reaction and we need as bit of luck and to get our confidence back,” he said.