Willow Wood Hospice Cup returns

Two of Tameside's non-league football clubs will go head-to-head as Mossley AFC host Curzon Ashton FC in the Willow Wood Hospice Cup.

The pre-season clash will take place at Seel Park on Tuesday 21st July, with kick-off at 7.45pm, as current holders Mossley AFC look to lift the trophy for the third successive year.

The annual fixture has long been a feature of the local football calendar and was revived in 2024 by former Civic Mayor of Tameside and Willow Wood Hospice patron Brian Wild (pictured), alongside fellow long-time Hospice supporter Chris Smith.

This year's match carries extra significance after Curzon Ashton FC recently chose the Hospice as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season.

Brian said: "The recent targeted support for the Hospice by Curzon Ashton FC has given a real spark to this year's cup game and Curzon will want to win this one.

"However, Mossley AFC will be keen to lift the trophy and make it a hat-trick of wins, having beaten both Droylsden AFC last year and Glossop North End AFC the year before."

Mossley AFC chairman Stephen Porter commented: "We're delighted to be hosting the Willow Wood Hospice Cup game again this year and proud to continue our support for the work the Hospice does.

"I want the spectators to enjoy a good game and the Hospice to receive some donations for their work, but I hope our lads get the cup to stay at Seel Park for a third year, even though it will be hard against a good Curzon Ashton team."

Curzon Ashton Community Foundation Manager Mike Smith said: "We really want to win this cup. Our club hopes to make a real difference through the partnership with Willow Wood Hospice and winning this cup will be a great start.

"We're pleased to partner with the Hospice to help raise awareness and valuable funds. We hope that we can enhance the great work already being done by everyone at Willow Wood and look forward to working with them.”

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: "We are absolutely delighted that Curzon Ashton FC has chosen us as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season. But we continue to enjoy the support of Mossley AFC as they host this game. I hope the best team wins."

As well as providing an entertaining local derby, the match will raise vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice through collection buckets around the ground.

Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Willow Wood provides specialist, compassionate care for people living with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop, supporting patients both at the Hospice and in their own homes.

It costs around £11,200 every day to provide its services, with just 22 per cent of its annual funding coming from the government. The remaining 78 per cent must be raised through the generosity of the local community.

The match also serves as an important part of both clubs' preparations for the 2026/27 season. Alex Craddock's Mossley AFC will compete in the Northern Premier League West Division, while Adam Barton's Curzon Ashton begin life in the Northern Premier League Premier Division following last season's relegation from the National League North on goal difference after an 11-year stay.

Mossley lifted the revived Willow Wood Hospice Cup in both previous editions, beating Glossop North End AFC 2-0 in 2024 before defeating Droylsden FC 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw at Seel Park last summer.

Admission for this year's fixture is £7 for adults, £5 for concessions, £1 for 12 to 17-year-olds, with free entry for accompanied under-12s.

The winning team will be presented with the Willow Wood Hospice Cup on the pitch immediately after the final whistle.