Match Preview | Curzon Ashton v Oxford City FC
City face a trip to Manchester in hope of three points.
The Hoops continue their National League North account when a trip to perfect-starting Curzon Ashton is on the cards.
City remain unbeaten yet winless, as a 2-2 draw against Darlington on Saturday meant that The Hoops became one of seven sides within the EFL and Vanarama National League North/South to draw both of their opening matches so far.
Centre-half Jalen Jones nicked a point for City with ten minutes to go, after his stab into the roof of the net from close range helped The Hoops come from behind twice to remain unbeaten.
The hosts have had the perfect start to life in the NLN, as victories at the hands of Needham Market (3-0) and South Shields (1-2) have left them with maximum points so far.
This will be the first time that these two sides have met in their history, so it's set up to be an interesting encounter.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Curzon Ashton v Oxford City FC
The Tameside Stadium - Tuesday 20th August - 19:45
National League North
Referee: Jake Allsopp | Assistants: David Hinton, Jordan Tindell | Fourth Official: Matthew Jackson
FORM
CURZON ASHTON - W W
The Nash have had an ideal start to NLN following their two victories. Opening day delight filled the heart's of Curzon fans as a 3-0 win over Needham Market set them up nicely for a trip to South Shields where a chaotic ending gifted them another set of three points, winning 1-2.
Having only conceded one so far, Curzon have shown to be solid at the back, making it hard for teams to break through.
OXFORD CITY - D D
City have had a solid start to procedures with two draws at the hands of Marine and Darlington.
Brad Stretton's 90+3rd minute equaliser salvaged a point for The Hoops, in a game where Sam Cox's side dominated possession. Following that, City welcomed The Quakers in an end-to-end battle. Strikes from Lewis Coyle and Jalen Jones earned another point, as well as Reece Fleet striking the post late on.
TEAM NEWS
Sam Cox has no new injury concerns following Saturday's match, as new loanee Aidan Elliott-Wheeler and Zac McEachran will push for a start following their impressive stint off the bench against Darlington.
ONE TO WATCH - Jimmy Spencer
Having found the back of the net twice already this campaign, Curzon captain Jimmy Spencer is our 'One To Watch'. After gaining a load of experience in the football league, the thirty-two year old has made over 300 appearances, with 165 goals to his name.
Jimmy's life began at Huddersfield Town in 2009 where he spent five years at the club. During that time, he was loaned out to six different clubs, scoring 20 goals in that time.
His ability to find the back of the net from range is undeniable, changing games wherever possible. The 6 foot 1 has great determination to win headers inside the danger zone, making him an all round striker.
Jimmy featured for the likes of Farsley Celtic where he made over 100 appearances, including saving the side from relegation in 2021/22.
His performance gave Curzon fans something to remember, following a 3-0 victory, a brace for Jimmy gave him the perfect start. Despite knocking around in football for over 15 years, Jimmy remains a threat and will continue to when City visit The Tameside Stadium Tuesday evening.
THE MANAGER - Craig Mahon
Craig Mahon is the current player-manager at Curzon Ashton after making 143 appearances in his four year spell with The Nash. Craig featured in the Football League with Accrington Stanley as well as ensuring over 425 games at non-league with eight different clubs.
Craig started life in the footballing scene at Wigan Athletic where he signed as a trainee in 2006 before signing his first senior contract in 2008. Craig was then loaned out to Football League side Accrington Stanley where he featured twice in that season. Within 10 years of his career following that, he became a popular name in Non-League where hot stints at Vauxhall Motors and Chester where he wen onto make the appearance record of 215 during his seven year stay at the club.
Craig then signed for Curzon Ashton in 2020 where he signed a one-year deal. That was then extended to another year as a player-coach in 2021. October that year saw him take the role of interim manager, and again in 2023 following the departure of Adam Lakeland, before being offered the Management Role on a permanent deal until June 2025.
