FA Cup Preview: Curzon Ashton (H)
Our Emirates FA Cup journey continues this weekend as Curzon Ashton visit the Deva Stadium in the Third Qualifying Round.
The Blues progressed to this stage thanks to a dramatic victory over Stalybridge Celtic at Bower Fold.
Jack Bainbridge netted the winner in the 88th minute after Tom Peers’ lobbed finish was cancelled out by Benni Smales-Braithwaite.
Curzon took a share of the points from CH1 back in August as Connor Woods’ penalty in the first-half was levelled after the break by Jack Stobbs.
The Opposition
Curzon have started the campaign in a similar vein to the Blues, with both sides sat on 10 points after nine matches.
The Nash fell to defeat in their most recent Enterprise National League North Clash to South Shields, as goals from Paul Blackett and Caden Kelly earned all three points for the Mariners.
Mark Bradshaw’s men progressed to the Third Qualifying Round in dominant over NPL Premier Division side Hebburn Town, courtesy of a pair of braces from Tony Weston and Adam Barton in Greater Manchester.
The Gaffer
Mark Bradshaw got the chance at the top job at the Tameside Stadium this summer following Craig Mahon’s departure to fellow National League North outfit AFC Fylde.
Continuation was key for Curzon, and Bradshaw’s promotion from Assistant to Manager came after a lengthy association with the club, spanning over the previous two decades.
Bradshaw’s playing career began with Blackpool in 1986, before long stints at Stafford Rangers, Macclesfield Town and Halifax.
The boss has started his reign in inconsistent fashion, with two wins, four draws and three defeats so far this term.
One To Watch
22-year-old Bradley Holmes has started 25/26 in a rich vein of form, scoring on four occasions in his opening seven appearances.
Holmes got off the mark with the opener on the opening day during a 1-1 draw against Leamington.
The forward also netted the opening goal in Curzon’s first victory of the season at Buxton, before adding two in his last three contests, one in the success over Chorley and last Saturday in the defeat to South Shields.
Holmes spent time in the youth setup at both Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool before a permanent move to Marine in the summer of 2024.
MATCH DETAILS
Saturday’s game will kick off at 15:00 at the Deva Stadium. The address for the ground is Deva Stadium, Bumpers Lane, Chester, CH1 4LT.
TICKET DETAILS
Tickets are available for the game via fanbase. Click below to secure your spot!
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE!
UNDER THE CANOPY…
Grills and Chills
The popular Grills and Chills van will be Under the Canopy to provide hot food for supporters!
The Grills and Chills van will be on hand to serve tasty items such as…
- Salt and pepper chicken with fries – £7
- Caramelised halloumi burger with pickles, salad and fries £7
- Fries with Katsu curry sauce £4
Keep it Sweet
Keep It Sweet will also be Under the Canopy on Saturday!
Keep It Sweet will be setting up inside the canopy area serving their delicious sweet treats including…
- Jersey Gold Ice Cream with sherbet and a flake topped with sauce
- American Fanta & Sweets
- Fresh Hot Donuts Cooked to order
- Chocolate Bars
Seals Shed
We will be providing supporters with the Hawkstone range from the Seals Shed!
We are pleased to announce that pumps have now been installed and draught pints will be available from the Seals Shed.
The offering on Saturday will include:
- Premium Lager
- Session Lager
- Pilsner
- IPA
- Cider
Blues Bar
The Blues Bar will be open both pre and post-match to offer refreshments and for supporters to soak up the matchday atmosphere.
CAN’T MAKE IT? STAY UPDATED
Free commentary on Seals Live via our Match Centre: CLICK HERE
Match Updates on our Twitter/X page:CLICK HERE
HT/FT Updates on Facebook and Instagram: CLICK HERE
A full time match report on ChesterFC.com: CLICK HERE
We can’t wait to see you all at the Deva. UTS!