Both Curzon Ashton and Telford United will be bidding to pick up a much needed three points on Saturday as the two sides face off in a National League North clash at the Tameside stadium.
Neither side comes into this one in the best of form with both sides winless in their last five league games. Despite their league form, Curzon Ashton impressed in the FA Cup, getting to the First Round of the FA Cup before Lakeland’s men lost to Cambridge United away on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the replay. The Nash have struggled in front of goal recently and haven’t scored in the league since a 3-1 loss to Hereford at the end of October.
Telford United on the other hand, are yet to win in the league since the opening day almost three months ago. However, they did get a win away at Kings Langley in the FA Trophy. Many thought this would see the Bucks pick up some form as they took an early lead against Kidderminster on Tuesday night however two late goals from the Harriers saw Telford lose 2-1 on a cold midweek night.
One of Curzon’s key hopes in getting all three points on Saturday lie with their number nine and top goal scorer, Tom Peers. The forward has scored 10 goals this season- already two better than last seasons tally of 8. One of the Nash’s key men this season has been right at the other end of the pitch. The Curzon shot stopper, Chris Renshaw, has been hugely impressive this season, keeping 10 clean sheets so far in all competitions.
I spoke to Curzon’s striker, Craig Hobson before the game who said he “expects a tough game” against Telford on Saturday yet believes ‘Curzon will win comfortably in the end- 2 or 3 nil’
The Buck’s key man is Brendon Daniels. The Shropshire born striker is Telford’s longest serving player. Despite only scoring 4 goals in the league this season, he comes with a huge reputation after having many high scoring seasons at this level which definitely make him one to watch for the Nash’s defence.
Saturday’s crucial game will see two former Curzon men return to the Tameside stadium as Harry Flowers and former skipper Robbie Evans made the switch to the Shropshire club earlier this year. Both men were fan favourites at The Nash. Despite this, both men have fallen out of favour at Telford this year with rumours swirling surrounding their future. Craig Hobson said “he’s looking forward to facing them both” and hopes to “get one over on them”
In terms of unavailable players, The Nash are without winger Ryan Hall due to a long-term injury, big target man George Waring due to picking up a knock recently. New Curzon men Benni Smailes-Braithwaite and Darren Stephenson will also be looking to make their home debuts. As for Telford, there are no confirmed absentees for Saturday’s clash in East Manchester however there are rumours that Robbie Evans may miss out due to match fitness concerns.
Written by Ben Sinclair
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