Weekend football round-up: Late drama all round

Curzon Ashton moved into the National League North play-off spots in dramatic fashion on Saturday after a last gasp winner from Brad Holmes helped them see off visitors Alfreton Town. 

Just as it looked like The Nash were heading for a disappointing draw with the side placed 23rd in the table, the forward was on hand to spare their blushes with his second injury time strike in a matter of days. 

The hosts drew first blood early on, with Tony Weston rolling into the empty net after rounding visiting goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne, only for Alfreton to hit back just minutes after the break through Bayley McCann. 

But with the clock ticking down, Weston turned provider, putting it on a plate for Holmes who swept in from close range to steal the points in the fifth minute of added time. 

“It would’ve been a real disappointment if we hadn’t won that game,” admitted Curzon boss Mark Bradshaw following the win. 

“The character of the team was very evident, we were dominant in possession, moved the ball well, and those last few seconds of quality and good decisions have won us the game. 

“It was a really good way to win a game, a really pleasing day and a good three points.” 

Elsewhere, Mossley left it even later to see off hosts Sporting Khalsa, with Callum Stringer’s 99th minute strike ensuring the points would return to Seel Park. 

After a goalless opening 83 minutes, The Lilywhites sprung the game into life shortly after, with Obua Mugalula leading a swift counter attack before smashing in the opener. 

The Lions then looked to have saved a point at the death when Stan Asomugha turned in a 94th minute equaliser, but there was still time for some more late drama. 

The hosts came inches away from winning it, with Fin Madigan producing a superb save to deny Sam Fitzgerald, only for for Mossley to break their hearts when Stringer’s long-range effort trickled into the bottom corner.  

The theme of late winners continued in Stalybridge Celtic’s clash with Darlaston Town, which ended with Max Leonard smashing in from distance to ensure his side would take the spoils four minutes from time. 

Visitors Celtic went behind initially after Kieran Cook’s 41st minute strike, and things almost got worse for them before the break. 

Darlaston had the chance to double their lead from the spot after a contentious penalty was awarded, but justice was perhaps served when Charlie Monks saved from 12 yards. 

A dramatic opening half then ended with Ruben Jerome drawing Jon Macken’s side level in stoppage time. 

Jerome then turned provider, with Leonard sweeping home the forward’s cross to complete the turnaround 15 minutes from time, only for Cook to restore the parity with his second of the afternoon less than 10 minutes later. 

Just as it looked like the points would be shared in the West Midlands, Leonard thundered in from distance to complete his brace and take his side to within a point of the NPL West play-offs. 

“It’s a tough place to come, and I think the fighting spirit was really pleasing,” said a satisfied Macken at full-time. 

“Our decision making in the second half was excellent, and the attitude to go and try and win the game was there to see. 

“It’s a great reaction from the disappointment of Saturday.”  

Meanwhile, Droylsden progressed in the FA Vase thanks to a 2-0 win over fellow NWCFL First Division North side Fulwood Amateurs. 

After a goalless first half, The Bloods took the lead 10 minutes from time through skipper Liam Moran, whose header trickled over the line to the delight of the Droylsden faithful. 

The win was then put beyond any doubt after a foul on Kyle Campbell saw the visitors reduced to 10, with Caelan Kilheeney making no mistake from 12 yards and ensuring his side would be in the hat. 

Dave Pace’s side’s reward for progressing is a home tie against United Counties League side Sherwood Colliery in the Fourth Round. 

In the NWCFL Premier, Glossop North End got back to winning ways in the league with a 4-1 thrashing of Litherland REMYCA at Surrey Street. 

The Hillmen took control early on thanks to goals from Jacques Etia and Dylan Switters, but a late penalty from the visitors saw GNE go into the break with a slender advantage. 

Lee Wilshaw’s side then regained their two goal cushion just seconds after the restart, with Etia tapping home his second of the afternoon before Abdul Djalo’s free kick capped off a superb GNE display. 

“I’m massively pleased,” said a delighted Wilshaw after the final whistle. 

“It’s been hard to come by, getting back-to-back wins here, and the conditions today made it difficult. 

“But the energy from the lads was top and we’ve gone about it really professionally, so yeah, I’m pleased.” 

Finally in the NPL Premier, Hyde United slipped down to 17th in the table after high-flying visitors Hebburn came from behind to win 3-1 at Ewen Fields. 

The Tigers drew first blood after 24 minutes when Taylor McMahon’s long-range effort found the bottom corner, and took the lead into the break. 

But the away side came back strong, with Campbell Darcy levelling the scoring just ahead of the hour, before a late brace from Kian Foreman completed the U-turn. 

“First 45 I thought we were the better team, we deserved the 1-0 lead, and arguably probably [deserved] more. 

“But the last 25 minutes of the second half were unacceptable. 

“It's not just heads dropping, it’s mistakes, it’s us not showing what it means to be out on that pitch. 

“It’s something we’re going to have to look at. 

“We’ve had a serious deep dive with the players in the dressing room, there were some choice words.” 

The defeat leaves the Tigers just one point clear of the drop zone.