Curzon eager to cause an FA Cup upset

Curzon Ashton will go into this weekend’s FA Cup first round tie with Mansfield Town brimming with confidence, after an impressive 4-0 win at home to Chester on Saturday. 

The Nash virtually had the game wrapped up after just 27 minutes, finding themselves 3-0 up thanks to a couple of errors from the visitors. 

Devon Matthews headed Curzon in front with just three minutes on the clock before Mikey Afuye slotted home after on loan Manchester United goalkeeper Elyh Harrison passed the ball straight to the winger, who couldn’t miss. 

Moments later the home side were awarded a penalty when winger Stefan Mols was brought down inside the penalty area. 

It was the Spaniard who stepped up, making no mistake from the spot and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Curzon in control. 

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts then put the icing on the cake midway through the second half, rifling the ball into the bottom left corner to put the game beyond any doubt. 

The win means Curzon have the chance to go top of the National League North should they win their game in hand on all three sides above them.

As mentioned, Craig Mahon’s side welcome League One side Mansfield Town to the Tameside Stadium on Sunday, as both sides look for a place in the second round of the FA Cup. 

“They’re a tough opponent,” Mahon told the Reporter ahead of Sunday’s clash. 

“We know what to expect, they have quality players and a fantastic manager in Nigel Clough. 

“Because of the great results we’ve had in the league over the past few weeks, we can just go out and enjoy this game now. 

“But at the same time, it’s not a game we want to just let pass us by, we want to give it absolutely everything. 

“It’d be a dream come true if we made it through. We as coaches are still new to this so to get to the second round of the FA Cup so early in our careers would be a monumental achievement. 

“Regardless of what happens, I’ll be so proud of the lads and the club at what we’ve already achieved so far, but hopefully we can keep the magic of the cup alive on Sunday.”