Curzon Ashton 2 Leigh Genesis 0

TWO second-half goals saw high-flying Curzon Ashton run out victors against basement side Leigh Genesis on Monday night. Mark Maddox’s side, again reshuffled due to illness and injuries, will be disappointed with the result after a much-improved performance that might have earned at least a point on another day.

Leigh had their first chance when Paul Hopkins crossed for Brodie Kearns to fire in a shot that was deflected narrowly wide of the target after 12 minutes.

Hopkins had half a chance on 24 minutes when intercepting a poor defensive pass but saw his shot deflected wide. Curzon struck the woodwork 10 minutes later to leave the sides even at the break.

The hosts took the lead nine minutes into the second half when Daniel Shannon was afforded too much space. He struck from distance for the ball to skid off the wet turf and beneath Adam Judge.

Curzon somehow managed to fail to double their lead when a clever ball over the top from Phil Edghill saw Daniel Broadbent flick the ball over Judge, only for substitute Carlos Gazapo to try and help the ball along its way to the net but heading the ball over the crossbar instead.

The hosts hit the woodwork for a second time before killing the game off on 86 minutes.

In similar fashion to the first goal, Luke Mack was given far too much space to bring the ball forward before cutting inside from the right hand flank and curled a beautiful strike into the top right hand corner.

The defeat leaves Leigh two points adrift of second-bottom Harrogate Railway Athletic ahead of a trip to ninth-placed Lancaster City on Saturday, kick off 3pm. Fellow strugglers Cammell Laird are the visitors to Crilly Park on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Leigh Genesis: Adam Judge, Danny Lyons, Andy Heald, Steve Ferrigan, Adam Farley, Rowan Garnett, Paul Hopkins, Joe Evans, John Lawless (Nick Eastham 76), Brodie Kearns (James Carey 85), Jack Burke. Subs not used: Gary Scott.

Any supporters wishing to travel on the team coach to Lancaster can send an e-mail to matt.lawton@leighgenesis.com for more information.