WITH Curzon boss Gary Lowe away assessing FA Cup opponents Kidderminster Harriers, the local side lost to the only goal of a disappointing game.

It was no surprise that Mike Norton and Chris Worsley were both on the bench for Curzon with Danny Whelan left out completely as Lee Dimelow made his debut and Glyn Baker came in up front.

It looked as though the supporters present would be in for a treat of attacking football as Barker fired off target within the first 30 seconds, while Adam Jones had to defend an effort from Stephen Brown at the other end two minutes later.

Barker was unsuccessful with a half-chance, while David Carnell comfortably dealt with Alex Porter’s free kick before Matthew Russell almost handed Bamber the lead.

His attempted header back to Carnell fell short and gave Porter another chance on goal, but the keeper was quick to pressure the forward whose shot was well off target.

There was an element of good fortune that brought about the only goal as Curzon tried to clear a free kick, only for the ball to rebound off a defender and towards goal where Brown’s cross somehow found Adam Tong to net from a yard out.

Barker spurned a golden chance to level, shooting wide with keeper Andy Banks in no man’s land, the keeper atoning on the hour by using his legs to thwart Chris Curley.

With Curzon attacking and Bamber looking to hit them on the break, the home side saw Jones have an effort cleared off the line.

Their day was summed up late on when the ball was cleared to substitute Michael O’Connor, whose goalbound shot struck a defender and went out for a corner.

Attendance: 137

Graham Shuttleworth