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FA CUP 3rd round
A fixture reversal allowed this game to go ahead, and put Curzon again on their travels, this time to the North East and high flying combination team Middlesbrough.
This was Curzon Ladies' first fixture since November the 8th and just that fact proves the ladies really showed 1st class attitudes in this game.
The game was under way and right from the start Curzon had their work cut out to handle the Boro frontline that were mobile and direct, Curzon worked hard to get a foot hold in the game but the greasy surface was causing slips in the back line, after only 10 minutes Middlesbrough took the lead from the spot after Curzon’s goalkeeper Freya Lees couldn’t get to a through ball quick enough and upended the boro striker.
The Curzon response was special, a move involving quick passing football between Amanda Goodwin, Carla Cleworth and Issy Hayes allowed Shelley James to go clean through and smash the ball home to draw level. Shelley is now one of the leading goal scorers in the country in ladies football and has recently turned down a chance to move a way from Curzon for another Premier league side, her all-round game is improving and her linking with other players is creating chances.
Curzon took charge and began to knock the ball around, a quality corner from AJ had the keeper flapping and Shelley James lifted the ball just over the bar, at the other end Freya was in action with a great save after a Boro corner.
Then another move again with AJ and Carla involved gave space down the right for Issy Hayes to cross and Shelley James' first time shot was well saved. Curzon were well on top and forced two free kicks, AJ hit the top corner with both but the Boro keeper was equal to it both times. Curzon were enjoying great service down both flanks, Jodie Redgrave and Emma Lambourne had the beating of the full backs and were well supported by Gail Pennington and Liz Baird. Kellie Leyland and Sophie Riley now were commanding their defence.
Middlesbrough was glad to hear the half time whistle with Curzon playing some quality football.
The start of the second half and Curzon burst into life again with quality passing and good movement down both flanks, the Boro backline held strong and the keeper was on top form, the threat of Middlesbrough was now just hopeful long balls which Kellie Leyland and Sophie Riley dealt with.
Curzon did everything but score and must learn to be more ruthless in front of goal, considering the lack of match practice in recent weeks Curzon looked strong and with extra time approaching the fitness level would be tested to the maximum.
Then in the 89th minute after another passing move Shelley James was fouled on the edge of the penalty area, while the Boro keeper lined up her wall, quick thinking captain AJ floated the ball into the opposite side of the goal to win the game for Curzon and send her team into the fourth round where they await Rochdale or Liverpool Feds.
Curzon team - Freya Lees, Sophie Riley, Kellie Leyland Liz Baird Carla Cleworth, Amanda Goodwin (Capt.), Jodie Redgrave(70), Emma Lambourne(80), Shelley James, Issy Hayes, Gail Pennington Subs Leanne Smith, Nicky Maylett(80), Sophie Turrell, Patrice Shirley(70).
Curzon player of the game - Liz Baird. |
