Match preview: FC United host neighbours Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night

After battling hard to claim a draw away at Tamworth on Saturday, it’s back to Broadhurst Park on Tuesday night as FC United host near neighbours; and former landlords, Curzon Ashton. Craig Phillips provides this preview...

After battling hard to claim a draw away at Tamworth on Saturday, it’s back to Broadhurst Park on Tuesday night as FC United host near neighbours; and former landlords, Curzon Ashton. Craig Phillips provides this preview...

With a single point and a league position separating the two teams this could be a vital game for either team even at this early stage in the season. A victory could possibly send the Reds up to 14th in the league and, perhaps more importantly, putting some early breathing space between ourselves and the wrong end of the table.

The two teams are certainly no strangers to each other having met 10 times in competitive fixtures over the years and the Reds have yet to taste defeat to their neighbours. Since 2006 when the sides first met, there have been six victories for FC United and four draws, with three of those draws coming in the last three meetings between the two.

Last season saw the two teams meet twice in the league with an amazing 3-3 draw at Broadhurst Park on August Bank Holiday Monday followed by a goalless game at the Tameside Stadium in March of this year.

Whilst FC United’s form is inconsistent, two wins, one draw and two defeats out of our last five, The Nash’s recent form has been poor. They have just one win – and four defeats - in their last five games, which came in an FA Cup replay against Consett Town. By the time of kick off on Tuesday evening they will have gone a whole month since their last league victory which was a 4-2 away victory at Altrincham in August.

Although they have scored two more goals than FC United in the league this season the problem has been a defensive one for Curzon, conceding 30 goals in 11 games which is the fourth highest in the whole league.

Striker Niall Cummins is currently the top scorer for the Nash with four goals in the league so far, but has only found the net in one of his past five appearances, a run where his team have only scored four goals combined.

It may only be the end of September but Tuesday’s game already has a big feel about it with the implications being more than just league points and position but also local bragging rights. Historically games between the two have been good encounters and Tuesday’s game should be no exception.

The game is a 7.45pm kick off, with full match details listed below. So get yourself to that football ground.


PAST MEETINGS (Vs. Curzon Ashton)

P W D L F A GD
10 6 4 0 21 10 +11


Last five meetings

28/03/16 NLN (Away) 0-0
31/08/15 NLN (Home) 3-3 Ashworth, Madeley, Fallon
06/04/15 NPL (Home) 1-1 Lindfield
26/12/14 NPL (Away) 4-0 Greaves (2), Wolfenden, Stott (Pen)
10/11/14 Ch Cup (Away) 0-0


Curzon Ashton Form (Last 5 games) LWDLL

24/9 Stockport County (home) 1-2 NLN
20/9 Consett FC (away) 1-0 FAC
17/9 Consett FC (away) 1-1 FAC
10/9 Tamworth (home) 1-5 NLN
6/9 AFC Fylde (away) 1-4 NLN


League Position – 19th
Top Scorer – Niall Cummins (4 goals)

Match details

Tuesday 27th September 2016, kick-off 7.45pm
Curzon Ashton (Home)
Broadhurst Park, 310 Lightbowne Road, Manchester, M40 0FJ.