Words: Ryan Jacobs, Images: David Airey
CHORLEY fell to a disappointing 0-3 defeat to Curzon Ashton on Saturday afternoon, three second-half goals from the Nash swapping the two teams around at the top of the Vanarama National League North table.
The Magpies started the better of the two sides, Adam Henley getting a shot away inside the box, but it was deflected and went out for a corner.
As the first-half ticked on, it became clear that there were two sides out on the pitch possessing real quality, although clear-cut chances were few and far between at both ends of the pitch.
Curzon's best chance of the opening 45-minutes fell to Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, who got on the end of a perfectly placed Jimmy Spencer pass, but just could not apply the finish.
Chorley had one opportunity before both sides went in at the break, Dubem Eze firing a shot over the bar after some good initial play from the Bolton Wanderers loanee.
Five minutes into the second-half and the Magpies found themselves a goal behind, albeit against the run of play; Stefan Mols catching the on-rushing Matt Urwin out, rounding the latter before sliding the ball home into an empty net.
Things then went from bad to worse for Andy Preece's side, Scott Wilson sent off by referee Dean Watson for a late challenge on Mols.
Six minutes later, Jimmy Spencer would double the lead for Craig Mahon's side after Mike Calveley's pass was pounced upon by Spencer, who calmly slotted the ball past Urwin inside the box.
In the 72nd minute, Isaac Sinclair would add a third for the Nash with a low-driven strike inside the box following a corner.
Chorley will look to bounce back in Isuzu FA Trophy action against Warrington Rylands next Saturday at the Grant Store Victory Park stadium.
