Pre-Season Friendly.

Curzon third pre-season friendly and a tidy win over Northern Combination team Stockport County Ladies; Curzon dictated play and had the bulk of possession but struggled to break down a determined Stockport defence. Curzon created opportunities but were never allowed time or space in front of goals. The quality of play was there but Stockport made it difficult and kept Curzon under wraps, Curzon finally took the lead with a great volley from Helen Lynskey, after the break the game continued with Stockport defending well but not allowing Curzon any space in front of goal however hard they tried. Again Helen Lynsky was in the right place at the right time to make it 2-0 when a corner wasn’t cleared. The workout was important as girls fight for starting places when the season starts.

Curzon Ladies took part in the Keele tournament at the weekend

Curzon Ladies 2 Everton Ladies 4

1st game and a chance to go up against one of the best teams in the country. A new super league club and in captain Fara Williams the best player currently playing in this country.Curzon contained Everton well 1st half and although Everton had more possession Curzon was a constant threat on the break scoring twice and making three over good goal scoring chances with the Everton keeper very busy. 2nd half and Everton made a few changes and brought a quality striker on that we just failed to handle this stretched us and Everton scored four goals, two of quality and two avoidable, the team worked hard and on the whole a very positive start.

Curzon goal scorers Beth Ward and Gail Pennington

Curzon Ladies 3 Mossley Hill 0

Next game for Curzon was a different type of challenge a team from a lower division that won their league last year so a well organized set up. Curzon started quick and neat passing allowed a 25 yard stunner from Jodie Redgrave, minutes later Jodie got her second with a tap in after a fumble by their keeper. The challenge for Curzon was to control the possession and the game and dictate the pace but Mossley Hill to their credit never allowed Curzon a moments rest and caused problems in the Curzon defence. Curzon started with several players whom just returned from holiday so much needed fitness was being gained. In the 2nd half much the same as Curzon couldn’t over run the opponents so the game was very even. Towards the end of the game Nicky Maylett rose above their keeper to score with her head to give the score line a slightly flattering finish. Again the positive is fitness with much needed game play.

Curzon goal scorers Jodie Redgrave x 2, Nicky Maylett.

Curzon Ladies 3 Irish Combined Colleges 2

Our third game was a tough test after the Irish national colleges team had beaten Everton and Mossley Hill so only a win would allow us to progress in the main tournament. Anything less would put us in the plate competition with the other third and fourth placed teams. The Irish team started very brightly and Curzon were slow to start with several sloppy mistakes and poor decisions, pre-season is about getting back to fitness and the effects of the day before seems to have Curzon a yard short. Curzon did cause the Irish team problems and took the lead after a break down the left and a pull back from Beth Ward was put away by Jodie Redgrave, this was against the run of play and didn’t disguise that Curzon have to work better as a team and concentrate more as individuals. The Irish drew level within a couple of minutes again with an avoidable goal. Curzon again took the lead just before half time and again Jodie Redgrave was the player to put the ball in the net. Half time and a few home truths were given to the team. Second half and again the Irish took control and Curzon was limited to chasing the ball. The Irish drew level again from a weak corner that was aloud to beat a number of players before being poked into the net. Curzon continued to give everything without real structure or balance, the fact that Curzon went on to get the winner shows the capability of the team. A quick free kick was taken and Amanda Goodwin defence splitting pass was met bravely by Nicky Maylett to take the team into the semi-final.

Curzon goal scorers Jodie Redgrave x 2, Nicky Maylett.

Semi-Final

Curzon Ladies 0 Liverpool 2

The team of the tournament Liverpool, after gaining Super League status and winning the Northern Premier League last season. Liverpool have improved the quality of their squad massively with almost all the squad being International players at either youth or full level. This and the fact that they had won all their group games convincingly made the set up a more cautious one, the game was a fast and Liverpool had the bulk of the possession but Curzon stuck to there jobs and stayed disciplined and didn’t allow Liverpool the changes their were working so hard for. Curzon did manage to get forward on the counter and cause Liverpool so worries at the back. The way Curzon defended was frustrating Liverpool and in the first half Liverpool didn’t create a chance. After the break Liverpool still tried to work the ball about and Curzon again dealt with the threat and tried to counter attack. Liverpool 1st goal came after a poor refereeing decision allowed play to go after a late challenge on a Curzon player went unpunished. This took the pressure off Liverpool and their second goal was a well worked effort; Curzon as far as the manager was concerned left the tournament on a high with a performance of commitment and 100% effort.

View Slideshow of the Game at the Curzon Ashton Ladies FC Official Photo Gallery

Next home Game Weds 28th July Stockport County 8pm KO

Pre-Season Friendly.

Curzon’s second game of pre-season was against a young talented Blackburn team that worked hard and stretched Curzon to the limit. The game was played in three periods, 1st period was even with both teams trying to impose themselves on the game. Curzon was forcing the play and handing possession over a little easy and Blackburn were working hard to counter quickly. Captain Amanda Godwin was pulling the strings in midfield well supported by Jodie Redgrave; Curzon created several opportunities from long range that the Blackburn keeper dealt with easily. Blackburn struck on the counter with a minute to go just before half time. 2nd period and several changes saw Blackburn take control and dictate play, Curzon failed to work hard enough to earn the right to keep possession. Some good goalkeeping from Jo Phillips and strong defending kept Blackburn from scoring. 3rd period and again the pack was shuffled, an early defensive mix up allowed Blackburn to double their lead. Moments later an individual error allowed a third for Blackburn, then Curzon for the remaining 20 minutes took charge and created several chances. Curzon got one back from the penalty spot after Keeleigh Savage was brought down, Captain Amanda Goodwin struck the ball away. Another good workout for Curzon who now go into the Keele Cup at the weekend for more match fitness.