GREAT HARWOOD gifted Curzon a two-goal start and didn't recover.

The first goal went in after just two minutes when a simple throw-in wasn't picked up by a Harwood player and the Curzon forward was allowed to steal in and score.

Harwood then had a reasonable spell when Graham Lightbown had two one-on-ones with the keeper but missed both times. Neil Kennedy headed an effort over the bar and James Coonan had a shot saved.

Christian Trippier went close before the side gave away the second goal.

Curzon sent a long ball over the Harwood defence and the keeper shouted. But the last Harwood defender headed it back and it went wide of the keeper and the Curzon forward was allowed to nip in and score.

Paul De Maine had a chance to pull one back with a lob but it went over the bar.

And then with 30 minutes remaining Curzon hit the third goal when a mis-hit volley made its way into the air and into the back of the net.

And late in the game Lightbown pulled one back.

"We had too many players off their game," said Underwood.

"They were a beatable side but not if you give two goals away."

Harwood are at home to St Helens on Friday night.

RESULT: CURZON ASHTON...3 GREAT HARWOOD...1