Blues Match Preview: Curzon Ashton v Chester FC

Chester FC make the trip to the Tameside Stadium tomorrow for a clash with Curzon Ashton.

The Blues final contest of March marks the start of a six-game run-in as the Enterprise National League North nears its conclusion.

The most recent meeting ended in a 5-1 success for the Seals in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round back in September, a result that followed a 1-1 draw in the league in mid-August.

THE OPPOSITION

Curzon enter the clash in search of a first win in seven outings, a run that followed a positive streak of four games unbeaten in early February.

The club’s most recent encounter ended goalless in Norfolk last Saturday against King’s Lynn Town, a result that followed back-to-back defeats against Macclesfield and Spennymoor Town.

With six games to play The Nash sit 17th, with an 11 point buffer to the bottom four and a gap of 15 points between themselves and the top seven.

THE GAFFER

The recent departure of Mark Bradshaw was followed by the announcement that Adam Barton has stepped up from the playing squad to become the club’s new First Team Manager.

The midfielder has been a stalwart for the club since his switch from Farsley Celtic in 2021, making over 200 appearances for the Greater Manchester-based outfit and playing a major role in their run to the National League North play-offs during the 2023/24 campaign.

Barton brings a wealth of professional experience into the dugout with him, having featured for clubs such as Preston North End, Coventry City, Portsmouth, Partick Thistle, and Dundee United during his playing career.

ONE TO WATCH

Promising forward Tony Weston has added firepower to the Curzon front line after his acquisition last summer.

The 22-year-old is the club’s joint top scorer with a tally of 13 so far this term, including a stunning hat-trick during an impressive 4-1 win over play-off chasing Marine back in February.

Liverpool-born, Weston left Blackpool to join the Rangers academy in 2020, where he was sent on loans to Partick Thistle and Cove Rangers.

Two years in Derby County’s youth setup followed his departure from Rangers before a permanent switch to Curzon before the start of this campaign

LEAGUE FORM GUIDE

Curzon Ashton | W12 D11 L17 | F59 A74 | Pos: 17th

Last three

• Macclesfield (H) | L 2-0 | Scorers: None
• Spennymoor Town (A) | L 4-1 | Scorers: Curran
• King’s Lynn Town (A) | D 0-0 | Scorers: None

Chester FC | W15 D12 L13 | F58 A62 | Pos: 10th

Last three

• Merthyr Town (A) | W 2-1 | Scorers: Shrimpton, Mottley-Henry
• Kidderminster Harriers (A) | D 1-1 | Scorers: Shrimpton
• Southport (H) | L 2-1 | Scorers: Mottley-Henry

MATCH DETAILS

Kick off at the Tameside Stadium will be at 15:00.

The postcode for the ground is OL7 9HG.