Curzon Ashton moved back into the National League North play-offs on Tuesday after a 3-2 win away to Needham Market.
With the match still goalless after 67 minutes, up stepped Alex Curran to break the deadlock a minute later when his free kick evaded everyone in the box and found the net.
This lead was doubled five minutes later when Curran turned provider, clipping the ball into Jimmy Spencer whose looping header found a way past Marcus Garnham.
The deficit was halved by the hosts less than two minutes later, with the referee pointing to the spot for handball, and Luke Ingram making no mistake from 12 yards.
The Nash then regained their two-goal cushion with nine minutes to go when Marcus Poscha tapped home from close range following a cross from Michael Afuye, before Kyle Hammond’s injury time strike made for a nervy end.
Despite a late chance for the hosts, Craig Mahon’s side managed to hold on and seal what could be a decisive three points in the race for the play-offs.
The win leaves Curzon in sixth place, level on points with the two teams below them but crucially with a game in hand on both.
This weekend sees strugglers Warrington Town visit the Tameside Stadium knowing anything other than a win would see them relegated from the division.
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