Northern Premier League

Another away trip for Curzon and a difficult one at high flying Leicester City.

The home team were looking to go second in the league if results went there way. The game started and Leicester were on the attack from the start, the pressure was on Curzon from the start and they were finding it difficult to get out of their own half. The ball was constantly coming back and Curzon were defending with their lives.

The Leicester break-through came after a ball over the top caused problems and after a scramble, the ball went for a goal kick but the Referee pulled the game back and gave a penalty, everybody was unsure what for! But the Leicester striker put the ball in the net.

This woke Curzon up and the game became more even but Leicester had the main threat with pace from both wings and up front. Curzon created a couple of chances but Leicester went 2 up after a late run into the box was not tracked. Lauren made two saves but couldn’t stop the ball rolling into the net.

Half time and a few home truths in the dressing room and Curzon came out brighter, but the toughness of the game was taking its toll and 3 substitutions were made for Curzon. Not long after Leicester broke away and scored a third, Curzon then scored a great goal with Carla Cleworth and Shelly James combining to allow Shelly to score her 11th of the season.

Leicester were creating several chances and Lauren was excellent in goal, a brave save at the strikers feet resulted in Lauren taking a knee to the chest resulting in difficulty to breathe and pain in her arm, chest and back. Leanne Smith going in goal again for the fourth time this season, Leanne 1st job was another penalty for Leicester, and she guessed right, saving with her legs but the Leicester forwards followed in quickly to put the ball away.

Curzon to their credit didn’t give up and Amanda Goodwin following up a Shelly James shot against the bar, got on the score sheet. Leicester did finish off the scoring and Curzon were glad for the final whistle which put to an end their weakest performance of the season.

Curzon team - Lauren Bracewell, Gail Pennington, Emma Lambourne, Sophie Riley, Kellie Leyland, Sophie Turrell, Carla Cleworth, Amanda Goodwin (Capt.), Jodie Redgrave, Shelly James, Issy Hayes, Nicky Maylett, Hannah McDonough, Leanne Smith

Curzon player of the game - Sophie Riley.