Tameside clubs set to meet in FA Trophy

The draw for the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy has been made, with two Tameside clubs set to meet. 

After overcoming fellow Step 4 side Lower Breck on Saturday, Stalybridge Celtic have been rewarded with a trip to local rivals Curzon Ashton, who enter the competition at this stage. 

The pair last met in January 2025, with Curzon progressing in the shootout following a 3-3 draw in the Manchester Premier Cup. 

Elsewhere, the last time the sides met at the Tameside Stadium was back in the 2016/17 National League North campaign, playing out a goalless draw. 

Both Ashton United and Hyde United also enter the competition at the third qualifying round stage, with both facing Step 3 opposition. 

The Robins travel to NPL Premier high-flyers Warrington Town, while the Tigers host division strugglers FC United of Manchester. 

Steve Cunningham’s side will face the Yellows twice in the space of seven days, with the reverse league fixture taking place on the following Saturday. 

Hyde will go into their tie relatively confident, having seen off FC once already this season, picking up a narrow 1-0 win at Ewen Fields last month. 

The ties will take place on the weekend of September 26, with winners landing £2,450 in prize money, while the losing side will pick up £625.