Preview: Curzon Ashton (H)

    Curzon Ashton are the visitors to the Leap76 Stadium this Saturday as we look to extend our unbeaten run to 11 matches.

    The Nash sit just below the playoffs following an impressive 1-0 win over Hereford last time out, a result that stopped a run of four games without a victory.

    In the reverse fixture back in October, George Glendon grabbed the only goal of the game to claim three crucial points at the Tameside Stadium.

    THE OPPOSITION

    As mentioned previously, Curzon Ashton stopped the rot last Saturday with a dramatic win over fellow playoff contenders Hereford, with James Spencer netting in the 93rd minute.

    Craig Mahon’s men currently sit outside the top seven on goal difference, three points behind Chester, making this weekend’s game crucial.

    The Nash have proved extremely tough opposition for sides in the upper echelons of the National League North recently, beating Alfreton Town and Scunthorpe United in early February and holding league leaders Tamworth to a draw away from home later in that month.

    THE GAFFER

    Club legend Craig Mahon returns to CH1 this weekend as player/manager of Curzon Ashton, a role he has held since Adam Lakeland departed in September 2023.

    ‘Mahony’ made an incredible 239 appearances for the Blues between 2013 and 2020, a record since the reformation of the club.

    The Irishman departed in January 2020 to join Altrincham before moving across Greater Manchester to the Tameside Stadium later that year where he signed as a player/coach.

    ONE TO WATCH

    Experienced striker James Spencer has scored crucial goals for Curzon Ashton this season after leaving fellow National League North side Farsley Celtic in 2023.

    Since the turn of the year Spencer has scored seven goals, contributing heavily to the side’s push for the top seven after they narrowly missed out last season by three points.

    The 32-year-old has plenty of football league experience, featuring for 13 clubs, including the likes of Plymouth Argyle, Notts County and Mansfield Town.

    LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

    Chester FC | W16 D12 L9 | F47 A28 | Pos: 4th

    Last three

    Hereford (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Elliott Whitehouse

    Spennymoor Town (H) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Christian Norton

    Scunthorpe United (A) | D 2-2 | Scorers: Ben Tollitt, George Glendon

    Curzon Ashton | W16 D9 L12 | F47 A42 | Pos: 8th

    Last three

    Tamworth (A) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

    Darlington (H) | L 1-3 | Scorers: Marcel Lewis

    Hereford (H) | W 1-0 | Scorers: James Spencer

    Match preview by Tom Bird.

    MATCH DETAILS

    Kick off is 3pm on Saturday afternoon at the Leap76 Stadium. The postcode for the ground is CH1 4LT.

    TICKETS

    The quickest and easiest way to buy match tickets is via our online ticketing platform at chesterfc.ktckts.com. Online sales will now be available until kick off and you simply need to present your printed ticket or mobile phone to be scanned at the turnstile.

    We still strongly encourage supporters to purchase tickets in advance via the below link, as purchasing in advance prior to matchday also provides a saving on the price.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!

    Card/contactless payments are also available at the turnstiles for all open stands.

    Supporters can pay with contactless, chip and pin and Apple Pay and Google Pay for The Gary Talbot (East) Stand, Harry McNally (North) Terrace and Swettenham Chemists’ Community (West) Stand. Please note the relevant turnstile further down in this article.

    If you wish to pay with cash, you will need to buy your ticket from the Ticket Office before the game, however we advise arriving earlier than normal to reduce queuing times. Cash is not accepted at the turnstiles.

    MATCHDAY INFORMATION

    WHAT’S ON

    Here’s what is going on at the Leap76 Stadium as we host Curzon Ashton…

    HOSPICE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

    Our charity partner, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, will be present at the game tomorrow for a bucket collection. Please give generously if you can!

    For more information on the work HOGS do, visit: hospiceofthegoodshepherd.com.

    THE CESTRIAN

    The Cestrian bar opens from 12pm on Saturday showing all the live football on the big screens with a wide variety of drinks on offer.

    Once again, it’s HAPPY HOUR between 12pm and 1pm tomorrow in the Cestrian – with all draught ales just £4 a pint on the main bar!

    FOOD AND DRINK

    We will have food available outside the ground prior to the  game – as the footy scran recognised loaded fries are available inside the street food van!

    Inside the ground there’s plenty of food and drinks to enjoy – with our kiosks serving the famous Cowards Pies and fantastic Hot Dogs.

    GINGER CAT COFFEE

    Ginger Cat Coffee will be serving their barista style hot drinks outside the ground before the game in their pop up tent, as well as Iced Coffees!

    PROGRAMME

    The Cestrian Programme will be available at the game, and the 40-page publication costs £2.50 at the ground.

    Sales will also be available online: CLICK HERE

    MATCH COVERAGE

    • We will have full, FREE match commentary on Seals Live from 2.40pm on Saturday. Tune in by visiting our Match Centre: CLICK HERE

    There is also updates from the ground on our social media channels throughout the day, including…

    • Match Updates on our Twitter page. CLICK HERE
    • HT/FT Updates on Facebook and Instagram. CLICK HERE
    • A full time match report on ChesterFC.com. CLICK HERE
    • A post match interview with Calum on Chester FC TV. CLICK HERE