Colwyn Bay 0
Curzon Ashton 1
CURZON Ashton’s winning goal against Colwyn Bay at Llanelian Road on Saturday was proof positive that a second’s inspiration can overcome 90 minutes perspiration when a quickly-taken free kick inspired the visitors to victory.
A rare moment of quick thinking brought the goal in first-half injury time that sealed the match for one of the Bay’s main challengers for a promotion spot come the end of the season.
The Bay now have a week off before three matches in five days Trafford away, Warrington Town and Skelmesdale both at home.
It will be a test of Bay's determination to go forward and make their hard earned present second place Unibond north league the platform launch for their ambitions.
The Curzon goal in the 45th minute ended a half in this top five promotion clash that was little short of dire on a cold old Saturday afternoon in which defences were in no mood for compromise.
Bay with Neil Black still injured and teenager Alex Titchener, whose loan spell has been extended for another month, not fully fit manager Neil Young is still searching for a recognised centre forward.
The opening half was of a pattern with the visitors, who have an impressive 60 for and 26 against goals tally, getting the better of exchanges with Andy Lundy heading over and Chris Worsley having a shot parried by Sanna.
Bay’s counters were mainly aimed high for Stones, and at set pieces, Danny Meadowcroft with Dave Challinor featuring his long throw to no avail.
The continuous menu of free kicks were poorly used by both sides in a dull game with referee Mr Croft adding some fuel booking Ashton's Adam Jones, for a foul, and David Birch for backchat.
Bay did get in a couple of blows one when a Ryan Williams shot was pushed over by Mike Hale.
The tipping point came when Worsley burst his way into the box from a quick free kick and pulled the ball back for Spencer Harris to shoot from the edge of the area past Chris Sanna hampered by a packed penalty area.
Bay re-arranged things early in the second half as Williams was replaced by Tom McGill an injured Sheean was off for Alex Lynch.
Then at the hour Alex Titchener came on up front for James Olsen who has yet to impress since his return to Bay and Stones went to midfield.
The league position is Lancaster City 23 games 57 points, Colwyn Bay 26 - 54, FC Halifax 22- 51, Skelmersdale 26-51, Curzon Ashton 24 -50, Leigh Genesis 25 -40.