Marine secure all three points away to promotion chasing Curzon

Marine pulled off the spectacular as they defeated play off chasing Curzon Ashton away from home by one goal to nil. 

A Jack Hazlehurst penalty in the 87th minute was enough for The Mariners to claim all the points. 

It’s now seven games unbeaten for Neil Young’s men, who move 13 points clear of the relegation zone and into 17th position in the National League North. 

It was a quick start to the game with both sides getting forward in the early stages. 

After a scramble in the Marine box, Josh Wardle, who cleared everything away for his side this afternoon, eventually booted the ball clear from danger. 

Finlay Sinclair Smith was the first for Marine to come close when he unleashed an effort from the edge of the area. 

His strike whiskered just past the right hand side post after cutting in away from Ben Darby. 

Both teams continued to play at a high intensity in the first half but neither keeper was called into action throughout the half. 

Bobby Grant came close after 25 minutes after he unleashed a left footed strike inside the penalty area only to see it glide clear of the left post and out for a goal kick. 

The Mariners continued to cause problems for the home side but they were still yet to find an opener. 

After the break, the second half started similarly to the first with both teams coming out quickly. 

The best chance of the game for The Nash fell to centre back Timi Sobowale. 

The number two somehow managed to blaze the ball off the target inside the six yard area after a delivery into the box from Luke Griffiths’ corner. 

As the second half progressed Neil Young’s side continued to knock on the door of Curzon. 

The pressure posed from the Mariners eventually led to a penalty awarded for the away side. 

It was Jimmy Spencer, the Curzon Ashton captain who brought down Wardle in the box. 

His following protests led to The Nash skipper being dismissed with just three minutes of normal time remaining. 

With Sinclair Smith off the pitch, it was Hazlehurst who stepped up. 

The number 17 made no mistake and smashed home the winner from the spot- no chance for Bobby Jones in goal. 

Marine held on to a massive three points on the road as they win their sixth match in seven games.