Blues Match Preview: Chester FC v Curzon Ashton

Chester FC 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.

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.