Curzon Boost Playoff Hopes And Hyde Secure Place In Cup Final

It was a great night for Tameside football on Tuesday, as Curzon Ashton maintained their National League North playoff hopes with a 3-0 victory over Hereford, while Hyde United secured their place in the ManchesterPremier Cup final with a 2-1 win against Trafford.

At the Tameside Stadium, the Nash entered the game with fresh legs having had Saturday's fixture postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. They faced a Hereford side who are also looking to strengthen their chances of featuring in the playoffs come the end of the season, however the Bulls were swept aside by a Curzon outfit who look destined to secure their best ever finish in their 59-year history. After both sides failed to find the back of the net in the first half, Curzon proved once again that they're a force to be reckoned with and took the lead four minutes after the re-start through Tom Peers. The Nash doubled their lead in the 70th minute thanks to Craig Mahon's effort from outside the box, before Jamie Cooke wrapped the game up deep into injury time with a 94th minute.

The result leaves Curzon 9th in the table and two points outside the playoffs. Lakeland's side continue with league action this weekend and make the trip to Alfreton Town who sit in 14th spot.

Elsewhere, in the Manchester Premier Cup semi-final, Hyde United beat Trafford 2-1 at the Project Solar Stadium and will now face the winner of Avro and Ashton United (to be played tonight) in the final.

It was the first game in charge for new manager Nick Spooner and his side got off to a decent start before taking a 1-0 lead into the half-time break through Chinedu Uche's 15th minute effort. The visitors did level matters through Matthew Barlow in the 50th minute, although the joy was short-lived as Lewis Earl headed home at the back post in the 67th minute to give the Tigers victory. It will be the first time since 2014 that the Tigers have featured in the final. On that occasion, they faced Trafford at Gigg Lane but were beaten 4-2 on penalties.