FC United's tearaway start to the season continued unchecked as they racked up an 11th straight win against fellow promotion hopefuls Curzon last night.

But the result was in doubt until the final minute as fired-up Curzon pushed them all the way.

Curzon, buoyed by their FA Cup win over Billingham at the weekend, kept FC's free-scoring strikeforce under wraps until the 38th minute, when Stuart Rudd freed himself from his marker and thumped a header against the underside of the bar. Midfielder Simon Carden was on hand to head the visitors into the lead.

FC looked to be cruising when Josh Howard's cross was turned into his own net by Curzon centre half Andrew Watson after 52 minutes.

But Will Ahern's dismissal for a dangerous late tackle on James Agoo gave Curzon fresh hope and with nine minutes left striker Michael Norton prodded in a goal to make it 1-2.

Rudd secured the points in the 89th minute, pouncing on a fluffed clearance by keeper Ashley Timms to guide the ball into the empty net from 35 yards out for his 13th goal of the season.