Curzon progress in FA Cup thanks to 6-0 rout

Curzon Ashton eased into the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round on Saturday with a 6-0 thrashing of North West Counties side Barnoldswick Town. 

The hosts took the lead after just six minutes when Barnoldswick defender Bradley Ditch bundled the ball into the back of his own net after attempting to dispossess Isaac Buckley-Ricketts in the penalty area. 

This lead was doubled moments later when Jimmy Spencer slipped Stafan Mols in down the right, with the Spaniard making no mistake and slotting the ball into the bottom corner. 

Mols was then inches away from his second of the afternoon when his free kick, which looked destined for the top corner, cannoned back out off the crossbar. 

Early in the second half Curzon gave themselves a bit more breathing space after Isaac Buckley-Ricketts added a third, taking the ball around the onrushing goalkeeper and coolly slotting the ball into the empty net. 
 
Nash winger Stefan Mols then fired in his second from close range after Mike Afuye’s shot was parried straight into his path, putting the match beyond any doubt. 

Two late goals then put the icing on the cake, with Mike Afuye opening his account with a curled effort into the bottom left corner, before turning provider and putting the ball on a plate for Ben Darby, who was on hand to score his first goal for the club. 

Despite the result, Curzon Ashton manager Craig Mahon admits there were a few things he wasn't happy with: 

“I had a bit of a go at them at half time as we we’re only 2-0 up- it should have been four or five,” he told the Reporter. 

“We can’t let the standards drop, no matter who we play,” he added. 

One aspect Mahon was pleased with was the impact the substitutes had: 

“The lads who came on were unbelievable- it was almost the perfect scenario for us, we had a chance to give some players a run out and I was really impressed. 

An away tie against fellow National League North side Southport awaits the Nash in the next round, which Mahon says will be a big test: 

“They’re going to be a tough opponent. They’re on a similar level to us, but it wouldn’t matter if they were from the league below, it won’t be easy.”  

“It should be a great day out for the club, and hopefully we can do what we’ve done over the past few weeks and put in a good performance.” 

Curzon will travel to Merseyside on Saturday September 28, in search of a place in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round.