FA Cup Match Report | Curzon Ashton 4-0 Stockton Town

Ruthless Curzon Ashton had the game won within the first half hour after demolishing Stockton Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup at The Tameside Stadium. 

Photo by Biddle of Nowhere Photography

Curzon completely dominated the first half, scoring four times in the opening 25 minutes, with the visitors thankful to goalkeeper Callum Roberts for keeping the score down.

A brace from Jack McKay, a very early goal from Alex Curran and Adam Thomas’ seventh of the season meant Steve Cunningham’s side held all the aces heading into the break.

There were no goals after the break, with NPL East side Stockton in damage limitation mode and Curzon’s tempo dropping with the game already won.

First half dominance

It was a glorious start for Curzon, who were 2-0 up within the first five minutes.

Curran opened the scoring after two minutes, getting the ball over the line from close range. Lewis King had initially cleared the ball off the line with a strong header, but Curran took advantage in the confusion that followed, scoring from the floor.

McKay doubled his side’s advantage two minutes from the left wing, with Craig Mahon getting the assist with his precise pass.  It’s the Scot’s first competitive goal for Curzon since joining the club over the summer.

McKay added his second in quick form, netting from a rebound from Callum Roberts’ initial good save.

Adam Thomas continued his red hot goal-scoring streak and is now on seven for the season so far. The ex-Stockport County winger won’t get many more fortuitous goals this season after Roberts’ clearance ricocheted back past him and into the net.

Muted second half

Curzon’s intensity dropped in the second half, to the behest of Cunningham, but Stockton were unable to take advantage of a side playing out the game.

The home side still looked more likely to add another goal, with Curran and Thomas among those going close.

Cunningham could only name four subs as injuries continue to limit his options.

Sub Jack Dyche’s injury-time looping header came close to making it five, but Roberts caught it on the second attempt.

Stockton offered little going forwards, with home keeper Chris Renshaw a spectator for much of the game. When called upon, he looked alert.

Confident Nash move onto third round

Curzon banished last season’s memories of going out at this stage of the competition to lower league opposition, having lost to FC United of Manchester of the NPL.  It was clear from kick-off there would be no repeat this year.

Steve Cunningham’s side have surprised many outside the club with their strong start in the National League North - the side are third in the league and have won three straight games.

Stockton had cleared two rounds in the competition to reach this stage, knocking out Ossett United and Sunderland RCA so far, but this proved to be a test too far.

The Nash are in the hat for the next round and on their first half performance, will have little fear of who they draw.