Former Nash stars shine in FA Cup upset

Two former Curzon Ashton players were involved in the biggest shock in FA Cup history over the weekend. 

National League North side Macclesfield stunned holders Crystal Palace on Saturday to become the first sixth-tier club to defeat a top flight side in the competition’s 154-year history. 

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, who scored the eventual winner at Moss Rose, spent the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign with the Nash, before making the switch to Macclesfield last summer. 

The winger started all 46 league games for Craig Mahon’s side last season, and was integral to the club recording its highest ever National League North points tally. 

As was former Curzon teammate, and current Macclesfield teammate Luis Lacey, who also had a fruitful spell at the Tameside Stadium. 

Lacey – who is the brother of Manchester United starlet, Shea – joined in October 2024, going on to feature 36 times in the league, and helping The Nash reach the first-round proper of the FA Cup. 

The then teenager was the hero in Curzon’s fourth qualifying round win over King’s Lynn Town, netting an 88th minute winner in his home debut. 

Following his side’s record-breaking achievement, Buckley-Ricketts told TNT Sports: 

“It feels surreal, it’s still not hit me yet. 

“But during the game, you can only think about it for a split second because you have to stay in position and whatnot. 

"Honestly, I was just on autopilot, because the moment you take your mind off it, that’s when they might get a pass through.” 

The win provides The Silkmen with a shining light in what has been a dark few months for the club, following the death of their former player Ethan McLeod in December. 

“This is who we did it for, honestly," Buckley-Ricketts continued. 

"When the final whistle went, I’m thinking, 'Ethan was here'. 

"Honestly, I couldn’t be prouder.”