Match Preview: Curzon Ashton (h)
The Seals welcome Craig Mahon’s Curzon Ashton to the Deva Stadium this weekend.
Last time out, league leaders Scunthorpe United beat Calum McIntyre’s side 3-1 in Lincolnshire. The immense travelling support consisting of 1,353 fans on Non-League Day contributed to a record-breaking National League North attendance of 8,274.
Curzon were also defeated by the same scoreline last Saturday as fellow promotion contenders Hereford overcame them at Edgar Street.
Only six games remain of the regular season with the Blues still having plenty to fight for.
THE OPPOSITION
Curzon have enjoyed an encouraging campaign under Craig Mahon’s stewardship, which sees them in the mix for a play-off spot.
The Nash currently reside just outside of the coveted places in 8th position following a three-game winless run. High-flying Marine narrowly beat them a fortnight ago, which preceded a 1-1 draw with Radcliffe and the recent loss to Hereford.
However, the Ashton-based outfit still have two games in hand over the majority of the teams in the division. If they were to succeed in those clashes away to Needham Market and at home to Spennymoor Town, they would find themselves in a favourable position to finish in the top seven.
They travel to CH1 this weekend with the best away record in the league in terms of points-per-game. The Nash have accumulated 37 points on their travels, the exact same as Brackley Town and Kidderminster Harriers, who have played a game more on the road.
Curzon Ashton have also been successful in the cup competitions, as they managed to progress into the first round proper of the FA Cup earlier on in the season. They were eventually eliminated by League One outfit Mansfield Town.
THE GAFFER
There will be familiar face in the opposition dugout at the Deva Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Curzon Ashton player/manager Craig Mahon is our all-time record appearance maker since reformation, having adorned the club’s colours 239 times over a seven year span.
However, the modern-day Chester legend will not be able to name himself on the team sheet this weekend.
Mahon is suspended after receiving a red card in the dying embers of the 3-1 defeat to Hereford in their last outing. Despite ending on a sour note, it was a landmark afternoon for the Irishman as he marked his 200th appearance for the club.
Since being appointed manager in February 2024, Mahon has guided his fellow teammates into the play-offs last term and is on course to repeat the feat this year.
At just 35-years-old, Mahon certainly has a bright future in football management.
ONE TO WATCH
Alex Curran has been a valuable addition to the squad after rejoining from Macclesfield in February.
The attack-minded midfielder has scored twice in eleven games in his third spell with the Nash. He opened the scoring in the 3-0 home victory against Chorley while also netting in the stalemate with Radcliffe.
Prior to his move to the Tameside Stadium, Curran had a prolific spell at Macclesfield, who were crowned Northern Premier League Premier Division champions last weekend.
The 26-year-old made over a century of appearances and recorded just shy of 50 goals for the Silkmen.
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE
Chester FC | W21 D10 L9 | F62 A40 | Pos: 4th
Last Three
Warrington Town (H) | W 3-1 | Scorers: Tom Peers, Taelor O’Kane, Dan Mooney
Leamington (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: Connell Rawlinson
Scunthorpe United (A) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Kurt Willoughby
Curzon Ashton | W19 D8 L11 | F50 A31 | Pos: 8th
Last Three
Marine (H) | L 1-0 | Scorers: N/A
Radcliffe (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Alex Curran
Hereford (A) | L 3-1 | Scorers: Michael Afuye
Match Preview by Jude Deedigan.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is 3pm at The Deva Stadium on Saturday. The postcode for the ground is CH1 4LT.
UNDER THE CANOPY
Our new Fan Canopy will be open on Saturday for the very first time, offering supporters a dedicated space to gather and enjoy before the match!
The Fan Canopy area is situated outside the ground by the North-East corner of the ground. It will open at midday and close at 3pm. For this fixture, the Fan Canopy will not be open after the match.
Please note, the entry point will be stewarded and there is a capacity limit in place.
Check out what’s going on Under the Canopy: CLICK HERE
MBNA DAY
Saturday’s game against Curzon Ashton is our annual MBNA Day fixture, where we celebrate our long standing partnership with MBNA!
MBNA have been Chester FC’s Principal Sponsor since reformation 15 years ago, and on Saturday we celebrate our continued relationship, as we look forward to welcoming hundreds of MBNA colleagues, family and friends into the Hipkiss Stand.
We will also have MBNA representatives upstairs in the Legends Lounge as our Match, Ball and Programme Sponsors – as well as 12 mascots representing the credit card provider.
Read more about our partnership: CLICK HERE
FORMER PLAYER
Chester FC are pleased to welcome Ian Seddon back to the Deva this weekend. Ian played for the Blues between 1973 and 1976 and was a part of the 1974/75 squad that reached the League Cup Semi Final. At half time on Saturday, Ian will be introduced to the crowd – please give him a warm reception!
BUCKET COLLECTION
During the 2024/25 season, we will be welcoming a variety of local charities to the Deva to make collections around the ground prior to kick off and showcase the amazing work they do.
This Saturday we welcome Guide Dogs to the Deva. Please give generously if you can!
Guide Dogs is here to help people with sight loss to live the life they choose.
Guide Dogs is a charity, almost entirely funded by donations to continue its life-changing work. Every day 250 people start to lose their sight in the UK, and Guide Dogs’ services help thousands of people with sight loss to lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives from the moment you need it. Guide Dogs has services for everyone – children and adults, friends and family.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
For information on Admission Prices, Entry into the Stadium, Payment Methods, Allocated Seating and much more – visit chesterfc.com/matchdayinformation.
Tickets: Available online – CLICK HERE! Contactless card payments are available at the turnstile, with cash payments available at the Ticket Office.
The GWG Street Food Van will be open prior to the game, serving Burgers, Salt and Pepper Fries and loaded fries!
The Cestrian Bar will be open, fully stocked with a wide selection of alcohol and soft drinks.
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