- Missed chances stop Crewe from getting any points
- Unbeaten run comes to an end
- Crewe go toe-to-toe with strong opposition
Crewe Alexandra women's unbeaten run comes to an end as Curzon Ashton early goal seals the points for the hosts.
Shanice Finbow had the greatest opportunity of the game for the Alex in the first half, with her volley firing straight at the Curzon 'keeper.
Curzon played a through ball which found Jordan Bailey and with the Alex backline were screaming for offside, but the home side managed to put a cross into the box, which took a deflection off Gemma Brough and nestled into the bottom corner.
The early goal gave Curzon more confidence and more problems came Crewe's way. some clever movement from their forwards which saw them find gaps between the lines.
Beth Ragdale looked to equalise for the Reds just before the half-time interval but her header from close range was well-saved.
Crewe came out for the second half on the front foot but it was their keeper called into action first as Hannah Holloway was needed to tip a low shot around the post.
Alex forwards Cerys Griffin and Amanda Fallon managed to create openings on their own but they couldnt find the target. Matt Fisher's side pushed forward for that elusive goal as the game edged closer to the closing stages. Emilia Edwards will have been disappointed that her shot towards an empty net was collected by the Curzon keeper on her second attempt.
In the dying moments, the Alex had a penalty decision waved away as Griffin was brought down in the box and then seconds later, Griffin was involved again showing great footwork to break away from three players, but she could only scuff her shot wide of the post.
Head Coach, Matt Fisher said: "We did everything right but finish our chances. Curzon are a great side but after some early pressure, we dealt with them well and caused them real issues.
"However, we have to take our chances or points don't come. Having said that we are happy with the performance, if not the result."