The Nash continue their superb form

Following a 1-0 win away to Buxton on Saturday, which moved them up to second in the National League North table, Curzon Ashton continued their superb form with a 4-1 thrashing of FC United in the first round of the Manchester Premier Cup on Tuesday. 

Craig Mahon named a much changed XI from the one that defeated The Bucks which saw the Irishman feature in midfield alongside former FC player Luke Griffiths. 

The Nash gave most of their senior players the night off ahead of Saturday’s crucial FA Cup clash with King’s Lynn Town, which opened the door for youngster Luis Lacey to make his first start for the club. 

After a tough first half which saw hosts FC United go into the break leading through Jay Fitzmartin’s 19th minute strike, it was clear that Curzon had to make some changes. 

Right back Jordan Richards was sent on at half-time, followed shortly after by wingers Stefan Mols and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts. 

It didn’t take long for the subs to have an impact, with Curzon equalising 20 minutes from time through debutant Luis Lacey who turned in Mikey Afuye’s cross at the back post. 

Afuye then got himself on the scoresheet, putting the visitors ahead in the 80th with a looping header into the top right corner. 

Two late goals then sealed the tie once and for all, with Stefan Mols tapping in from close range before Isaac Buckley-Ricketts made it four with a clinical slot into the bottom left corner. 

Following the victory, Curzon boss Craig Mahon was pleased with the resilience his side showed: 

“I’m very happy,” Mahon told the Reporter. 

“We struggled in the first half but that’s understandable, we made 10 changes from the weekend. 

“But second half I thought we were outstanding, the lads stepped up and did exactly what was asked of them.” 

As mentioned, The Nash welcome fellow National League North side King’s Lynn Town to the Tameside Stadium this Saturday in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. 

Ahead of that crucial clash, Mahon insists confidence in the camp is high: 

“It’s going to be tough. They’re a full-time team so they’ll have a few hours to work on things whereas our lads will be in work all week, but we just have to make sure we do the right things in training on Thursday and focus on ourselves- I'm very confident in what we do. 

“It’s a one-off game and anything can happen, but all we know is that when we cross that line on Saturday, we’ll be ready.”