Curzon bow out of FA Youth Cup

FA Youth Cup third round: Curzon Ashton 0-5 Burnley

Curzon Ashton’s journey in the FA Youth Cup came to an end on Tuesday night, as Burnley ran out 5-0 winners at the Tameside Stadium.

The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute from the penalty spot. Lewis Richardson’s pace was too much for the Curzon defence to handle, and he was brought down inside the box by Jacaj. Rhys Fenlon stepped up and converted from the spot.

The Clarets doubled their lead in the 35th minute, this time Richardson slotted home from close range.

Burnley were never really troubled and they upped their game in the second half to put the game beyond doubt. In the 57th minute, Chris Conn-Clarke’s in-swinging cross found the far corner, before Mitch George added a fourth in the 77th minute with a side foot finish.

The visitors added gloss to a fine display with a fifth goal in the 82nd minute. Midfielder Ben Woods picked out the bottom corner from 15 yards to cement his side’s place in the fourth round at Mansfield Town in the new year.

Despite the loss, Curzon coach Rory Shadbolt was impressed with his side.

 He tweeted: “What a journey it’s been with this group. A picture paints a thousand words. We continue this amazing journey till the end of the season.”

It was a fantastic run for the youngsters, who negotiated six games to reach the third round.

Most notably, they beat Blackpool and Oldham Athletic.

They also beat Nantwich Town, Altrincham, Vauxhall Motors and Marine.

Picture by @biddleofnowhere