A disastrous own goal from Neil Marshall sent Lancaster City tumbling to a cruel fifth defeat in seven games on Monday.

Deep into stoppage time – with the game tied at 1-1 – left-back Marshall smashed the ball into his own net while under pressure from striker Chris Curley.

Despite taking the lead just after half-time thanks to another own goal, City conceded twice in the last 14 minutes to hand promotion-chasing Curzon Ashton a priceless win.

To make matters worse, City lost their grip on the match while Curzon were down to 10 men after Chris Worsley was sent off on 56 minutes for two bookings.

Both goalkeepers were tested in a lively opening 30 minutes but City created more chances in this period and initially looked more likely to score.

On three minutes, Curzon midfielder James Ogoo struck a long-range effort straight at visiting goalkeeper Mark Thornley.

City midfielders Aaron Helliwell and Neil Uberschar struck efforts narrowly wide, while skipper Michael Stringfellow saw an effort saved.
But Curzon began to look increasingly dangerous in the latter stages of the half.

On 33 minutes, Curzon winger Rhodri Giggs – the younger brother of Manchester United star Ryan – headed wide from Nick Allen's teasing cross.

A major slice of luck gave City the lead after the break. On 52 minutes, Tom Entwisle's probing corner was punched into his own net by shot-stopper Carnell.

Carnell completely misjudged the flight of the set-piece and appeared to get a crucial touch. The ball crossed the line and was then hacked to safety but the referee rightly awarded the goal.

Curzon suffered another setback four minutes later when Worsley was dismissed after being penalised for a clumsy challenge on Foster.

The hosts responded by introducing two more strikers and this bold move soon forced City onto the back foot.

The impressive Giggs missed several half-chances but risked dismissal for a reckless lunge on full-back Scott Greenwood.

City should have sealed victory when Dave Swarbrick hit the post.

Goalkeeper Carnell made amends for his previous blunder by pulling off a brilliant save to deny Helliwell from the rebound.

The City defence, marshalled by the commanding Iain Swan, held firm for sustained periods of play but Curzon finally made the breakthrough on 76 minutes.

Shortly after Greenwood made a superb goal-line clearance with his chest, Curzon substitute Edward Stanford skilfully curled a free-kick into the far corner.

The hosts rallied and forced goalkeeper Thornley into making a couple of excellent saves but Curzon grabbed their fortunate winner in stoppage time after Marshall tried to clear.

Lancaster City: Thornley, Greenwood, Marshall, Heffernan, Swan, Uberschar, Swarbrick, Stringfellow, Foster, Entwisle (Rushton 68), Helliwell (Jackson 82). Unused sub: Rigby.

Referee: Peter Bankes.

Attendance: 174.