Women’s Premier League Cup

Curzon Ladies went into this season Premier League Cup matched in a group with Preston North End, Rochdale and Blackburn Rovers, with the top two teams progressing to the knock out stage.

The game hadn’t even started and Curzon were forced to make a change with Issy Hayes being taken ill in the warm up so Nicky Maylett took her starting place. Curzon didn’t start well and struggled to come to terms with the pace of the game. Mistakes were being made all over the pitch and Preston was winning the majority of the battles. Curzon made an early substitution bringing on Carla Cleworth to help in midfield. Preston took a deserved lead with a powerful shot from close range. Curzon in the later stages of the first half started to show the effort and desire needed to compete in any football match, captain Amanda Goodwin again showed why she is so highly rated by all managers in this league and she was being backed up well by Jodie Redgrave, Emma Lambourne closed down the Preston keeper whose clearance hit her right in the face causing her eye to swell and almost close, Emma bravely carried on but for her own safety we brought her off at half time. After we spoke at half time the girls pulled themselves together and produced a much more spirited display, pride was restored with players giving that extra yard that makes a difference, Curzon began to force chances at the Preston end, Jade Parker who replaced Emma Lambourne had the chance for her first senior goal, but the keeper saved well. A clever free-kick from Amanda Goodwin had the keeper struggling and Nicky Maylett gave Jodie Redgrave the chance to equalise which she took from close range, this brought belief into the team. Players were now confident and winning 50/50 tackles the winner came after a goalkeeping error that Nicky Maylett put away to give Curzon a great start in the Premier Cup.

Women’s Northern Premier League

Curzon kicked off their season with a tough hard thought draw at Derby County Ladies, from the start to the finish of the game both teams went all out to get their season off to a winning start. Curzon started brightly and was on the front foot creating opportunities to score, Derby forced corners and looked to attack the ball from set pieces, and Curzon dealt with that all game and defended well throughout. Curzon worked the ball well in wide areas and delivery into the box from full backs Liz Baird and Gail Pennington was excellent, Gail hitting the post from long range with a powerful shot. The chance of the half fell to Issy Hayes whose pace left the Derby defence but she struck the ball to well, over the bar. Lauren Bracewell was excellent along with her back four, captain Amanda Goodwin and midfielder’s Jodie Redgrave, Becky Lee and Patrice Shirley battled and never stop running also Issy Hayes and Emma Lambourne were constant thorns in the Derby defence. Curzon continued to dig in and showed grit and determination throughout the game, Amanda Goodwin was unlucky with a quick free kick that the keeper spotted. Lauren Bracewell made a good late save and at the end of the game both managers felt there teams did enough to win the game. Curzon had many positives throughout and will be looking to work in the attacking third to start putting chances away.

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

Pre-Season Friendly

Our final pre-season friendly against Southern Premier League opponents, a three hour journey on a boiling hot day, and the ideal fixture to have before the start of the season next week at Derby County. Keysham Town took the lead with almost their 1st attack as many Curzon players were still getting the coach journey out of their system. This brought Curzon out of slumber and the girls started to work at the tempo required to cause a team problems, Nicky Maylett scoring after Amanda Goodwin had helped the ball on. This continued to be an open game with both teams showing the ability to break their opponents back line at will the difference for Curzon was the keeper Lauren Bracewell was in outstanding form. Nicky Maylett grabbed her 2nd with a trademark header and at half-time Curzon lead 2-1; harsh words were said at half-time as this was far from a good team performance. After the break both teams carried on creating good chances. Again Lauren was at hand when needed but could do nothing to stop Keynsham equalizing. This gave Keynsham confidence and they took the lead with fifteen minutes to go, straight from their third goal Curzon replied and Nicky Maylett grabbing her hatrick to draw level. Curzon then scored two more within a couple of minutes Jodie Redgrave and Issy Hayes both chipping the keeper from distance. A positive win to take into the 1st game of the season next week.

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