ALTRINCHAM FC Ladies lost 1-0 to botttom-placed Curzon Ashton (Tameside) women to make it back-to-back North West Women's Regional League Division One South defeats.

The two teams had met in pre-season which the Robins won convincingly 4-1, however this was a different Curzon side who turned up at Mersey Valley.

In a match that Altrincham dominated throughout, they were made to pay for their profligacy in not converting a host of chances.

The first half hour was a scrappy affair with both sides locked in a midfield battle with through balls either over-hit or swallowed up by the opposing defences.

The only chance on target fell to the visitors which they scored via a long-range strike on 20 minutes.

As the first half drew to close, Altrincham created chances.

Georgia Plant’s low, angled shot forced the Curzon keeper into an impressive save, while Jess Hartopp had a strike that was headed off the line and substitute Laura Kelly came close, steering just wide with her first touch.

After the break, Altrincham continued to dominate and Plant saw a free kick hit the side-netting while Hartopp drove a shot straight at the visiting keeper.

Brogan Walsh came off the bench and saw an effort saved while Kelly also came close when her shot was pushed onto the post.

The Curzon keeper continued to perform heroics in the closing stages, superbly repelling Laura Dodds’ shot.

The two teams meet again in the league on Sunday when Alty will be looking for revenge.