Curzon Ashton LFC 3 MFC Ladies 1

BORO travelled to unbeaten top of the table Curzon Ashton Ladies and were unlucky not to get a point from the game. 

With three regular players missing from Boro's squad, only 12 players were available to travel.

The first half was quite evenly balanced with end to end play from both teams. Curzon looked dangerous going forward, with several wicked crosses flying across Boro's penalty area.

But Boro held firm, keeper Ami Bullen pulling off a great save in the 30th minute.

At the other end Boro's Nicky Duckling 's fantastic pace was causing chaos in Curzon's defence and she was unlucky not to score just before half-time.

Although several  Boro players were playing out of position, they started very strongly in the second half and took the lead in the 51st minute.

Duckling tortured the Curzon defence, zipping past two players and into the penalty area, before squaring the ball to Jess Close, who fired home from seven yards out.

Boro pressed forward again and could have gone 2-0 up but Curzon's keeper pulled off a fine save.

But in the 74th minute disaster struck. A long ball was intercepted by keeper Bullen, but just as she went to kick it, there was a bad bounce and the ball skimmed off her foot, straight to Curzon's dangerous winger Nicola Mcleod, who fired home from just inside the penalty area.

Just five minutes later Curzon took the lead as a fine shot hit Boro's crossbar and their defence were caught ball-watching as a forward slammed the ball into the net before any of them moved.

Boro rallied and Duckling again went past two defenders at the other end but just failed to hit the target.

Then shots from Close and Badger were held by Curzon's keeper and two consecutive corners also failed to reward Boro's endeavour.

The home side sealed the points in the 85th minute after another mistake in Boro's defence.

But Boro, who had played with grit and determination throughout, still attacked and Close was tackled just as she was about to shoot when it looked like a certain goal.

Overall, however, Curzon deserved their win and look certainties to win this league already. 

Manager Marrie Wieczorek praised the performances of Nicky Duckling and midfielder Abbey Lyle.

Next Sunday Boro travel to Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup.

*Boro's MSV Player of the Month for October was midfielder KATE FOSTER.