Curzon Ashton travel to Crosby this evening in a Vanarama National League North clash against struggling Marine.
The Nash face a coach ride with a few missing faces including starting centre back, Marcus Poscha who is suspended following his red card against Mansfield in the FA Cup, and captain, Jimmy Spencer who is out with a suspected hamstring injury.
Here’s how we predict The Nash could turnout.
GK – Bobby Jones
Deservedly Curzon’s number one all season and hopefully for a long time. The Wigan Athletic and Stockport County prospect has found his form at Curzon with 8 clean sheets from 15 this season. He remains in this starting XI and for good reason.
LB – Will Hayhurst
An outstanding performance against Spennymoor last time out and a consistent starter for Curzon in the last 2 years. Hayhurst remains a prominent starter in the match day squad. Tactically an overlapping and attacking full-back, Hayhurst’s style perfectly fits the Curzon System.
CB – Timi Sobowale
Now this is where it gets interesting. Usually Marcus Poscha would be the second name in the defence however, a red card in the cup versus Mansfield means he is suspended for this game. It is not yet known how many games Poscha will actually miss. However, in steps Time Sobowale, an extremely capable defender who has 8 appearances already this season. This start could be Sobowale’s opportunity to possibly shine brighter than Poscha.
CB – Devon Matthews
A Tameside favourite and a no nonsense defender. Devon Matthews has started all Curzon Ashton games this season with an average Sofascore rating of 7.3. An extremely consistent defender who is one of the first names on the team sheet every time.
RB – Jordan Richards
Another player who has started 100% of games this season for The Nash, very similar to Will Hayhurst in an attacking sense. A full back that can control the game even when it is against them. Jordan Richards starts and is expected to play 90 minutes.
CM – Isaac Sinclair
2 goals and 2 assists this season, Sinclair is just getting going. A controller off the midfield with bursts of excellence. Isaac found his start at Curzon quite tough with a lack of starts but has now dominated the match day team sheet.
CM – Adam Barton (C)
A solid starting choice for me and the probable captain. Barton really is the rock in the midfield who holds the game up, remains calm and creates the plays. All characteristics of an American Football quarterback, but lets swap hands with feet. Adam creates plays, especially in the wide areas leading to Curzon’s biggest threats.
LM – Stefan Mols
Curzon’s bright spark and a true fan favourite. 44 starts last season with over 2000 minutes played, Stefan is one of the first who comes to mind when you think of Curzon goal contributions. His energy in his play and ability to play in a range of positions makes him. A real asset to the Curzon Ashton starting eleven.
RM – Michael Afuye
A dangerous winger who on his day can be unstoppable. Afuye came off the bench versus Spennymoor, possibly not getting enough time to really show his worth once again. I expect Afuye will start for Curzon due to the forward problems Jimmy Spencer’s injury causes. One to really watch and look out for- a gamechanger.
CAM – Craig Mahon
A leader on and off the pitch, literally. Mahon is Curzon’s Player/Manager who in recent games has been coming off the bench in the second half but now starts from the off to add that managerial structure to the game, but on the pitch itself. Mahon is a real fighter for this Curzon side and another expected starter against Marine, especially due to suspensions and injuries.
ST – Isaac Buckley-Ricketts
Isaac hasn’t missed a game this season and isn’t expected to anytime soon. A Manchester City hot prospect who has won a European Under 19s title in the past now calls Tameside home and how great that is. Isaac is one of the electrifying talents Curzon pride themselves on and after joining this year he already finds himself with 3 goals looking for plenty more as he settles in to the system in the heart Tameside.