NLN | Curzon crush Coasters as Bradford bounce back

Whilst many had their eyes focused on the FA Cup First Round ties, there was a busy schedule of National League North matches taking place, with potentially season-defining results played out.

By Amos Murphy

Curzon catch Coasters napping as leaders beaten

Adam Lakeland kicked his reign as Curzon Ashton boss off in style, with a convincing 2-1 victory over league leaders AFC Fylde.

Matthew Waters’ first-half opener had been cancelled out by Fylde’s Nick Haughton early in the second period, before Dale Whitham netted the winner with 20 minutes to play.

Fylde are now winless in the league at Curzon since December 2015, with Lakeland’s new side continuing their outside push for a playoff spot.

Bullish Bradford PA pounce in relegation scrap

Bradford Park Avenue took advantage AFC Telford’s shaky form, catapulting themselves clear of the relegation zone with a decisive 3-2 victory.

Telford had led 2-0, with goals either side of the break from Dominic McHale and Jason Oswell putting the visitors in a seemingly unassailable position.

The hosts hit back with a killer blow, scoring three times in 20 minutes courtesy of goals from Simon Richman, Brad Dockerty and Adam Nowakowski securing a famous comeback.

Chester cruise to win over nine-man Boston

A late flurry of goals from Chester gave them a comfortable 4-0 victory over Boston United, extending their unbeaten run in the league at the Deva Stadium to five matches.

Jack Redshaw’s first-half opener put the hosts ahead at the break, with further goals in the second period coming courtesy of Matty Williams, Charlie Jolley and Darren Stephenson sealed the three points.

The final trio of goals would not come before Boston were reduced to nine men, with Scott Duxbury and Danny Elliot both sent off, during what turned out to be a miserable afternoon for the Pilgrims.

Darlington dance over sluggish Kettering

Darlington made it two wins from two with a 3-1 triumph away to mid-table Kettering Town, taking the Quakers to within one point of the playoff spaces.

An unfortunate own-goal gave Kettering the lead early in the encounter, with Darlington’s Jake Cooper converting into his own net.

Cooper would make amends later on in the match, as he was one of three Darlington players, along with Jack Lambert and Will Hatfield, netting in Alun Armstrong’s sides win.

Elsewhere in the National League North

There were 2-0 away wins for both Leamington and Alfreton Town, who downed Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor Town respectively.

Hereford were also victorious, with the Bulls arresting a run of four matches across all competitions without a win to topple Chorley 1-0.

Meanwhile, nothing could separate either Farsley Celtic or Brackley Town, as the latter missed an opportunity to cup the gap at the top of the National League North.