Curzon Take Positives From FA Cup Heartbreak

It was a case of FA Cup heartbreak for Curzon Ashton Women's Team on Sunday, as the Nashettes were knocked out on a round of penalties by Norton Ladies.

Following promotion to the North West Women’s Regional League Premier Division, Curzon Ashton are enjoying life in the early stages of the season.

Dean O’Brien’s side are currently sixth in the table, having won three and lost one.

Having retained the core of his squad and recruited experienced players over summer, Dean is confident that the Nashettes can deliver stability during their inaugral this season and lay the foundations for a promising future.

Despite a valiant effort against Norton Ladies on Sunday - a team who compete on division higher - Curzon were cruelly knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties, having held the visitors to a 1-1 draw at the end of 90 minutes.

The game took place in the Tameside Stadium and attracted a good mix of adults and youngsters.

Speaking ahead of the game, Dean spoke to Reporter Sport and said he is optimistic about his side’s chances this season - although he emphasised the importance of keeping grounded and maintaining realistic expectations. He said: “We’ve had a really good start and shocked a few people that we’ve come up against during the games, and they’ve not been able to do anything about us. We’ve kept a few clean sheets and showed our experience, even though we’ve just come up from the league above, and a lot of teams are noticing us, so there’s a lot of positives to take forward.

We need to make sure that we have a steady season. We’ve set goals, and if we can get above mid-table or push into the top half then it will be considered as an achievement and a great season. Some of the performances have been top draw so far, we’re picking points up and progressing every game, so it’s looking Rosy at the moment.

“We’ve signed Jordon Baily from FC United, who’s a great attacker, along with Abbie Chesworth from Stockport County, and Liz Ince who’s a former England international, who last played for Liverpool. It’s great to get her down and bring her experience to the squad.

“Every time I speak to other managers, I tell them that you have to have consistency. That includes the coaching staff, the effort the girls put in on the pitch, and the squad in general. If you’ve got a different squad every week, then you’re going to drop points here, there and everywhere.”

Curzon are once again captained by Amy Smith. The long-serving stalwart is a popular face amongst the Curzon squad, having been at the club for many years and led the squad to promotion in the North West Women’s Regional League, Division One South last season. Dean praised Amy’s leadership qualities and feels her experience and drive will only help the squad to more success. “Amy leads by example on and off the pitch, although we’ve got many leaders in the squad. However, Amy does what Amy does - she’s been a leader ever since I first met her. She’s still doing the same as what she did years ago, which is great.

Picture by Oli Biddle @biddleofnowhere