Curzon Ashton handed league leaders Cleethorpes Town their first defeat of the season with a 3-1 victory on Friday evening. The match, played at Curzon Ashton’s home ground, saw the hosts execute an effective counter-attacking strategy to overcome the top-ranked visitors.

The game began with Curzon Ashton showing early intent. In the seventh minute, James Blunden’s header narrowly missed the target, grazing the post. Despite Curzon’s early pressure, Cleethorpes maintained control for much of the first half but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. The breakthrough came just before halftime during added time, when Harvey Hayhurst cut in from the left wing and delivered a precise finish into the corner of goalkeeper Ollie Battersby’s net, giving Curzon Ashton a 1-0 lead at the interval.

Shortly before the hour mark, Battersby was called into action with two critical saves in quick succession, denying Danny Whitehead and Joe Nolan, which kept Cleethorpes within reach. However, Curzon Ashton extended their lead in the 79th minute when a swift counterattack from the right was completed by Brad Holmes’ close-range finish.

Cleethorpes responded almost immediately against the run of play. A corner from the right side found Dan Gallimore, who rose to head the ball into the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and reigniting hopes of a comeback. The visitors pressed forward in the final minutes to find an equalizer, creating several opportunities, but Curzon Ashton held firm.

In the closing stages, George Wilson secured the win for Curzon Ashton by converting a late goal, ensuring the home side maintained their advantage and ended Cleethorpes Town’s unbeaten start to the campaign. The result marked a significant setback for Cleethorpes, who had been leading the table prior to this match.