Match Preview: Curzon Ashton (a)
The Seals make the trip to Curzon Ashton this weekend, as we compete in our first away league encounter in over a month.
Calum McIntyre’s team will be looking to respond after being narrowly beaten by Buxton during midweek, a result which ended our nine match unbeaten run in the league.
The hosts have commenced this campaign in stunning fashion as they currently reside in third position in the league standings, two points off league leaders Scunthorpe United.
Our last visit to the Tameside Stadium was a successful one, as a late George Glendon effort was the difference in a hard-fought victory back in October 2023.
THE OPPOSITION
Curzon have been the surprise package of the National League North so far as they challenge at the upper echelons of the table.
Their 2023/24 campaign ended in heart-breaking fashion as they were eliminated in the playoffs after Chorley beat them in a penalty shootout.
On their travels, Curzon have been scintillating as they have won all but one of their six away matches, but there is room for improvement at home as they have only collected eight points from six games in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Outside of their league endeavours, the Nash progressed into the first round of the FA Cup for the third successive season by knocking out King’s Lynn Town.
League One side Mansfield Town awaits them in the next round of the prestigious competition.
THE GAFFER
Craig Mahon continues to balance duties on the pitch and in the dugout as he holds the player-manager role at the ripe age of 35.
The diminutive winger has transformed the Nash into a well-drilled and uncompromising outfit since being given the managerial reigns in 2023 as well as still contributing on the pitch with his leadership qualities and vast experience being hugely beneficial to a youthful crop of players.
It has been a whirlwind journey at Curzon Ashton for Mahon as initially he joined the club on loan from Altrincham in 2020 before being signed permanently.
He then rose up through the ranks as he was made captain and then subsequently interim manager following the departure of Adam Lakeland.
The Irishman is a key figure in the history of Chester Football Club as he is the record appearance holder since reformation with 239 appearances for the Blues.
ONE TO WATCH
Stefan Mols has been a revelation as of late and his recent displays have not gone unnoticed.
He was a recent inclusion in Vanarama’s National League Team of Midweek for his imposing performance away at Scarborough Athletic.
The versatile Spaniard bagged a brace to help his side triumph 2-0 over the Seadogs in North Yorkshire and bring the full complement of points back home to Greater Manchester.
The midfielder, who is a product of Blackburn Rovers’ academy, spent a brief period on loan in his native Spain with Intercity before parting ways with the Championship outfit in 2021.
Upon his release, Mols signed for Warrington Town before joining Curzon two years later after a satisfactory spell at Cantilever Park.
The 25-year-old is now an established member of Craig Mahon’s squad and has taken the goalscoring responsibility into his stride as he currently tops their individual rankings with four goals to his name this term.
Luis Lacey, the younger brother of former Chester player Paddy Lacey, is also one to keep an eye on.
The full-back has deservedly attracted attention with his all-encompassing displays at full-back, including a late goal on his debut against King’s Lynn Town to send the Nash through to the first round proper of the FA Cup.
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE
Curzon Ashton | W7 D2 L3 | F15 A10 GD: +5 | Pos: 3rd
Last Three
Buxton (A) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Luke Griffiths
Hereford (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Isaac Sinclair
Scarborough Athletic (A) | W 2-0 | Scorers: Stefan Mols x2
Chester FC | W5 D4 L3 | F14 A11 GD: +3 | Pos: 9th
Last three
Farsley Celtic (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: N/A
Scunthorpe United (H) | D 0-0 | Scorers: N/A
Buxton (H) | L 0-1 | Scorers: N/A
Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 3pm at the Tameside Stadium on Saturday. The postcode for the ground is OL7 9HG.
TICKETS
We can confirm that segregation is in place. We have been informed that, following advice from the local police, all Chester fans must purchase tickets for Saturday’s game online in advance.
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!
Prices are as follows…
- Adults £17.00
- Concessions (Over 65) and Students £12.00
- Under 16’s £2.00
MATCHDAY COVERAGE
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