...Curshaws Teams

Curshaws F.C.

Members of Crewe and District football league, affiliated to Cheshire F.A.

2007/2008: Match Ball sponsors

Fixtures: 2:00pm kick off, Crewe and district unless stated, Home Ground, Back Lane, Playing fields, Congleton

Saturday 12th of January: (A) Crewe Reserves v Curshaws

Saturday 19th of January: ( H) Curshaws v Bunbury

Pre-season round up:

Thursday the 16^th of August                     Curshaws 7 Sandbach Town 3

          A comfortable first pre-season win against local rivals Sandbach town with goals from Dean Amery (2), Adie Tonks (1), Lloyd Smith (1) and a hat-trick from Matt Whitwood.

Sunday the 19^th of August                       Bentley 2 Curshaws 1

          Curshaws faced last seasons Crewe Regional Sunday League winners despite taking a first half lead through Nick Thornton, Curshaws conceded 2 second half goals to lose to good opponents.

Wednesday the 29^th of August          Sandbach Wheatsheaf 1 Curshaws 5

          Curshaws scored 5 times in the first half with goals from Rick Butler (2), Paul Richardson (1), Adie Tonks (1) and Tim Lamb (1) but a poor second half display saw them concede Wheatsheafs solitary goal.

Wednesday the 5^th of September               Curshaws 2 Congleton Vale 1

          In what was to be Curshaws best pre-season performance, Curshaws faces Staff County Premier League opponents but found themselves a goal down after twenty minutes. The equaliser came 10 minutes from the half time with Nick Thornton scoring a good goal. The second half was again an even contest between 2 competitive teams highlighted by a wonder save by Curshaws GK Chris Bell. As the game looked to be heading for what would have been a fair result, Dan Thornton's 30 yard free kick hit a Congleton Vale defender's head and looped over the GK to give Curshaws a last minute but morale boosting win, to cap off a fine team display.

The Season has begun

 Saturday the 8th of September             Winnington Avenue 0 Curshaws F.C. 2

Crewe and District football league premier division

Curshaws took the lead with a fine finish from Dean Amery after only 10 minutes and incresed the lead when Adie Tonks scored from close range following good work by Marcus Skirving. Numerous chances especially from corners and free kicks went begging and only the cross-bar stopped Nick Thornton's 25 yard free kick. Despite these chances it was a lacklustre first half preformance from Curshaws. The second half display was again low-key but good defensive preformances from centre backs, Dan Thornton and Lloyd Smith meant that Goalkeeper Craig Ratcliffe had very little to do and so Curshaws were off to a winning start to the season. 

Saturday the 15th of September             Curshaws F.C. 4    Lostock Gralam Res 3

Crewe and District football league premier division

An out of sorts Curshaws turned in a poor first half display, going a goal down after 20 minutes. Simon Foster scored with a direct free kick to equalise, but was short lived as a lively Lostock team again took the lead 2 minutes later.

Curshaws started the second half much more determined and again equalised when Lloyd Smith headed home a corner. With 30 minutes of the game remaining Jamie Beckett was red carded for a allegedly deliberate had ball on the goal line.

From the resulting penalty, James Fairborough made a great save , for the first time in the game Curshaws took the lead when the Lostock goalkeeper palmed Simon Fosters corner into the own net. The lead was increased when Paul Richardson won a 50/50 tackle on the half way line and burst through to place a shot into the bottom corner. Lostock scored their third goal making a tense final 10 minutes but the commitment and goal defending, with Chris Shaw outstanding preformance, Curshaws held on to their first home victory of the season.

Saturday the 22nd of September             Winnigton Avenue 3 Curshaws F.C. 1

(After extra time: 90 minutes 1-1)

Crewe and District football league premier division

Due to injury and unavailability a much changed Curshaws Team travelled to Winnington Avenue to face a team they had beaten in the league a fortnight previously and as in the first game took an early lead thought Marcus Skirving. Curshaws held on to this solitary lead until 5 minutes from the end of the 90 minutes, mainly due to an outstanding goalkeeping display from James Freeborough and goal contributions from Dan Thornton and Adie Tonks but conceded a goal to take the tie into extra time, where goals at the start of each period of extra time enable Winninton Avenue to progress into the next round.

Saturday the 29th of September    Sandbach Utd Res 1 Curshaws FC 3

Crewe and District Football League Premier Division

Curshaws made a positive start to the game, Adie Tonks driving a 20 yard shot just wide.  It wasn't until half way through the half that Curshaws made the breakthrough when Dean Amery's cross was blasted into the net from close range by Matt Whitwood.  The same player scored his and Curshaws second when he thundered home a bullet header from a cross by Nick Thornton.  The lead was almost increased on half time when Nick Thornton's shot hit the cross bar as Curshaws ended in half in control of the game.

The second half was a different story as United Res enjoyed a lot of possession, but again Curshaws hit the woodwork when Dean Amery's header hit the crossbar, this against the run of play.

Chris Bell was in inspired form in the Curshaws goal as Utd created various chances and pulled a goal back with 10 minutes remaining.  Curshaws raised their game and Jamie Beckett scored a third goal when the ball fell to him in the penalty box following yet another Curshaws corner to cap an impressive performance from the centre back.  Chris Bell again produced a marvellous save in the final minute as Curshaws continued their winning start to the league season.

Saturday the 6th of October       Congleton Athletic 1 Curshaws FC 2

Crewe and District Football league Premier Division

Curshaws faced their most difficult game of the season to date against last season's league champions.  Congleton created the better openings in the first 20 minutes, but Curshaws defended doggedly.  Athletic were awarded a penalty half way through the half, but Chris Bell made a great save to keep the game goalless.  Ten minutes later, Curshaws were ahead when Dean Amery ran onto impressive debutante Dean Boston's pass, rounded the Athletic goalkeeper and slotted the ball home.

Saturday the 26^th of January 2008                                             Curshaws FC 2 Club AZ Res 1  Inter League Cup Round 2

Curshaws faced club AZ Res of the East Cheshire League and made a bright opening to the game, with Tim Lambs looping shot hitting the cross bar.  The same player was not to be denied 5 minutes later when goalkeeper Chris Bells huge clearance bounced over the Club AZ defence into his path and he confidently stroked the ball home.                 

Curshaws' second goal came 8 minutes later when Paul Richardson's defence splitting pass found Tim Lamb and once again he placed the ball past the Club AZ goalkeeper.  Despite the heavy conditions, Curshaws played some fine football for the first 30 minutes, but then slipped into 'cruise mode' for the rest of the half.

This continued into the first 20 minutes of the second period and Club AZ pulled a goal back.  Curshaws then finally realised that they would have to battle for the win as Club AZ lifted their game, forcing Curshaws to defend and counter attack.

Substitute Richard Butler entered the fray and caused problems for the Club AZ defence.  Craig Ratcliffe was unlucky when his 20 yard shot missed the upright by a whiskey.  Club AZ finished the game strongly forcing a number of corners, but the Curshaws defence as usual held firm, with centre backs Lloyd Smith and Jamie Beckett in good form.

The second half was a good contest between two very committed teams and Athletic scored their equaliser after half an hour.  Within 3 minutes, Curshaws again took the lead when Dean Amery's turn and pass bamboozled the Athletic centre back releasing the ball to strike partner Craig Ratcliffe who arrowed a shot into the top corner of the net from 20 yards to give Curshaws a fine victory.  A great effort from all of the Curshaws squad, which was boosted by the return of several players

Saturday the 20th of October    Lostock Gralam Res 2 Curshaws FC 4

Crewe and District Football League Premier Division

Curshaws travelled to Northwich for yet another away fixture and knew they were in for a hard game on an uneven playing surface.  Curshaws were less than clinical in their finishing, wasting 2 good scoring opportunities.  These missed chances proved costly as Lostock took the lead mid way though the half with a fine header.

Curshaws needed to get an early equaliser in the second half and were duly rewarded when Greg Bateman coolly clipped the Lostock goalkeeper after a mix up in the Lostock defence.  Half way through the second half, Lostock once again took the lead.  Curshaws reply was instant, goalkeeper Chris Bell's long kick bounced over the Lostocks goalkeeper and into the net. Curshaws greater fitness was now showing and within the space of 2 minutes were 4-2 ahead.  First, Simon Guests raking pass found Dean Amery who neatly rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball home, then Tim Lamb broke free from the offside trap that Lostock had played throughout the game and slotted home in a 1 on 1 with the Lostock goalkeeper.  Other chances were spurned by Curshaws in the final minutes as Curshaws ended the game confidently with Greg Bateman having a fine match.

Saturday 27th of October         MMU Cheshire 0 Curshaws FC 2

Crewe and District Football League Premier Division

Curshaws made the short trip to Alsager to face a new look MMU team.  The first half was an even contest as MMU contested for every ball, but Curshaws created the better openings, attacking on the counter attack, the best being Dean Amery's low shot which was well saved by the MMU goalkeeper.  At half time, MMU were the happier of the 2 teams as the game remained goalless. 

As in the previous weeks game, Curshaws raised their game at the start of the second half.  Firstly, Simon Guest shot over the bar from close range and there was a melee in the MMU penalty area following a corner and the ball fell to Tim Lamb whose first time shot nestled into the MMU net.  Too their credit, MMU came back into the game but with Adie Tonks making timely interceptions, Paul Richardson playing well in midfield and goalkeeper Chris Bell organising the whole team, Curshaws held firm and increased the lead 5 minutes from time when centre forward Tim Lamb tapped home the second goal following excellent play from strike partner Dean Amery and Adie Tonks to give Curshaws their first every victory on MMU campus soil.

Saturday the 3rd of November      Curshaws FC 4 Poynton Kingfisher 0                  

Inter League Cup 1^st Round

Curshaws made a bright start to the game, causing problems for the Kingfisher defence, but it was on the half hour mark that they took the lead with a contender for goal of the season, when Dean Amery crossed the ball to Greg Bateman who flicked the ball over the Kingfisher full backs head and hit an unstoppable volley past the goalkeeper from 20 metres.  Overlapping full back Chris Shaw was unlucky when his 20m low shot grazed past the post, but Curshaws were not to be denied increasing their lead when Dean Amery's great touch and hot nestled into the bottom of the net just before the break.

A fine first time passing movement involving 5/6 Curshaws players resulted in Adie Tonks sealing a fine goal for the third.  Tim Lamb latched onto a poor goal kick to confidently strike the ball home for his 4^th goal in 3 games since returning from injury, and effectively finishing the resistance from a now beleaguered Kingfisher team.  Despite good performances from captain Lloyd Smith, Dean Boston in midfield and Greg Bateman displaying his repertoire of tricks, Curshaws were unable to add to the 4 goal rally, but progressed into round 2 of the inter league cup, which is a competition between clubs in the Crewe and District Football League.

Saturday the 10th of Novmeber            Curshaws FC 3 Crewe FC Res 0    

Crewe and District Football League Premier Division

After last weeks cup exploits, Curshaws were back in league action at a wind swept Back Lane and played some good football from the first whistle.  They took the lead after 18 minutes when Craig Ratcliffe latched onto a pass and shot home from 15 yards.  On the half hour mark Greg Bateman went on a mazy run and shot from 20m forcing the Crewe goalkeeper into a good save.  From the resulting corner Craig Ratcliffe scored with a back post header for his and Curshaws' second goal.  Just before half time the in form Dean Amery scored with a fine right shot from the edge of the penalty area to give Curshaws a convincing half time lead.

The second half was more of an even contest with Crewe Res enjoying possession forcing Curshaws goalkeeper Chris Bell into a few fine saves.  The highlights of the half were a fine 14 pass move from Curshaws which ended when Darren Byram turned and shot from 20m, the ball whistling past the upright and finally Dan Thornton swept past 3 defenders and shot the ball thundering off the cross bar.  A mention for Curshaws full backs, Dan Beeston and Chris Shaw who both turned in yet another fine team display.

Saturday the 10th of November            Curshaws FC 2 Winnington Ave 0           

Crewe and District Football League Premier Division                            

Curshaws faced Winnington Ave, who despite their lowly league position are always difficult opponents and again this was proved as they competed well against a confident Curshaws team.  Indeed Avenue had the first and only chance of the half after 6 minutes when Curshaws goalkeeper Chris Bell had to make a good save from the Ave centre forwards shot.  Curshaws had most of the possession in the first half but chances were missed and so the half remained goalless.

Patience for Curshaws was needed to get a result and despite enjoying total dominance of the second half it was 25 minutes before the breakthrough arrived, when Adie Tonks' in-swinging corner found its way directly into the net.  Darren Byram had previously almost broken the deadlock when he surged down the left side leaving defenders in his wake, before his cross cum shot evaded the on-rushing Curshaws forwards.  Dean Amery's 20 yard shot hit the cross bar as Curshaws looked to increase the lead, but it wasn't until the final minute that the points were sealed when Dean Boston's cross was converted home by Adie Tonks with a well placed shot for his second goal of the afternoon.  Once again left back Chris Shaw took the eye with a great display combining his defensive duties with good overlapping runs and the game saw the return of Matt Whitwood, who after being injured for 6 weeks showed good footwork in difficult conditions.

Saturday the 1^st of December 2007               Bunbury 0 Curshaws FC 3                      

AJ Cooke Trophy 1^st Round

Curshaws travelled to Bunbury and expected after recent bad weather a heavy pitch.  This proved to be the case and Curshaws struggled to play their normal passing game as Bunbury dominated the opening 20 minutes, but the Curshaws defence, with Dan Thornton in good form, held firm and indeed it was against the run of play that Curshaws took the lead in their first attack when Tim Lambs left foot shot dipped over the Bunbury goalkeeper.  Within 2 minutes the lead was increased when Dean Amerys pin point free kick was met by the head of Jamie Beckett, who is looping header beat the Bunbury goalkeeper.  This 2 goal salvo surprised the Bunbury team and Adie Tonks was unlucky just before half time when his rasping drive was saved by the Bunbury goalkeeper.

The second half was a more even game with Curshaws defending well and hitting Bunbury on the counter attack as Bunbury pressed forward.  James Freeborough made a great save with 10 minutes remaining and for the last minutes it was Curshaws who attacked to increase their lead.  The game was sealed when Richard Butlers in swinging corner nestled into the net and the same player was unlucky 1 minute later when his shot was well saved.  Matt Whitwood's header was cleared off the line and Paul Richardson who worked tirelessly in midfield hit the post with a shot as Curshaws for the first time in the game dominated proceedings in a game that Bunbury who if they had taken their chances could have won.

Saturday the 5th of January 2008       Curshaws FC 2 Congleton Athletic 0        

Crewe and District Football League Premier Division

After a 3 week break in fixtures, Curshaws faced a tough game against Congleton Athletic and almost took the lead when Lloyd Smiths header was cleared off the line.  Tim Lambs inswinging shot from 25 yards also just missed the target before Curshaws took the lead when a free kick was glided home by Dan Thornton from close range.  Athletic had a couple of chances to equalise just before half time but Curshaws went into the break a goal to the good with Jamie Beckett in particular having a towering game. 

The expected onslaught from Athletic at the start of the second half came and went with Chris Bell, the Curshaws goalkeeper making a great save and despite conceding a lot of possession, Curshaws defended well throughout the team and themselves had a couple of good headers on goal from corners.  With Athletic pushing forward, Curshaws had a few chances to seal the game, bit it wasn't until the final minute that Simon Guests clever pass found man of the match Dan Thornton, who calmly placed the ball into the corner of the net.

Saturday the 12th of January       Crewe Res 1 Curshaws FC 2           

Crewe and District Football League Premier Division  

Curshaws made the short journey to Crewe to play on excellent playing surface of the Cumberland Sports Ground and faced a Crewe Res team that due to the first team having no game, included several first team players.  Crewe took the lead after 5 minutes and for the first 20 minutes, Curshaws showed too much respect for their opponents.  Once they realised they were more than a match for the Crewe team they equalised when Dean Amerys header was fumbled by the Crewe goalkeeper and Tim Lamb tapped the ball home.  Nick Thornton and Dean Amery both had shots well saved by the Crewe goalkeeper as Curshaws ended the half in good form.  

Curshaws started the second half in a better fashion and man of the match Simon Guests 20 yard shot cannoned off the post.  Chances were squandered throughout the half as Curshaws applied great pressure on the Crewe defence, but just as it seemed that the points were to be shared, Leigh Amery popped up to score the winning goal 5 minutes from the end to give Curshaws a good away victory against a strong Crewe Res team.

CURSHAWS MADE TO FIGHT FOR THEIR VICTORY

Wednesday the 30^th of April                    Curshaws FC 2 Congleton Athletic 2 (Curshaws in 5-3 after extra time and penalties)

Crewe and District Football League - A.J. Cooke Trophy Final

In their final game of the season, Curshaws were up against league runners up Congleton Athletic at the excellent Cumberland Sports Ground, Crewe and they made a blistering start to the game, but were guilty of glaring missed in the first fifteen minutes. Halfway through the half, Athletic took the lead in what was their first shot on goal, when the centre forward scored with a well taken strike.

Athletic doubled their lead 8 minutes into the second half, making the game an uphill task for Curshaws. The Athletic Goalkeeper denied them a way back into the game, making a great save from Paul Richardson's shot that looked destined for the corner of the net. Dean Boston and Richard Butler entered the fray and suddenly Curshaws looked more menacing and direct. Richard Butler was unlucky when his shot beat the goalkeeper but was cleared off the line by the Athletic full-back. The start of the comeback came 25 minutes into the half when Jamie Beckett beat an Athletic attacker and passed to Dean Boston who's great cross-field pass found Craig Ratcliffe. With great skill, Craig Ratcliffe turned the Athletic centre-back and drilled a left foot shot into the bottom corner. Chris Shaw tried his luck with a dipping 20 yard shot that cleared the crossbar. Curshaws forced the equaliser with 5 minutes remaining, Dean Amery capitalising on a mix-up in the Athletic defence to roll the ball into an empty net. Dramatically, Craig Ratcliffe almost scored a winning goal just one minute later but his acrobatic scissor shot was once again saved by the Athletic Goalkeeper.

The game entered extra time and again, Curshaws missed goal scoring opportunities and were indebted to goalkeeper James Freeborough for a fine last minute save.

Penalties were taken and Curshaws kept their nerve, scoring 5 out of 5, scorers being Paul Richardson, Dan Beeston, Jamie Beckett, Richard Butler and Craig Ratcliffe. James Freeborough was again the hero, saving one of the Athletic penalties. This win meant that Curshaws had done the League Championship and AJ Cooke League Cup double to complete what has been a fantastic season.

The Manager and players would like to thank the supporters who attended the final, numbering at least 50, making this a memorable occasion for the team.