Match Preview | Oxford City v Curzon Ashton
The lowdown as Curzon come to town.
Oxford City look to build on the momentum after a 1-1 draw to title-favourites Kidderminster as they host Curzon Ashton on Tuesday at The MGroup Stadium in the Vanarama National League North (7:45pm KO).
City will come into the game full of confidence after two hard-earned points against Chorley and Kidderminster, both of whom are fighting for promotion.
Last time out, it was a gritty affair with Curzon Ashton winning 1-0 and Curzon’s defensive record speaks for itself. They have the best record of any side in the league conceding just 19 goals all campaign.
City, however, are the side in better form and are in good spirits after two positive performances, both of which they were unlucky not to get more from.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Oxford City v Curzon Ashton
The MGroup Stadium – Tuesday 28th January – 7:45pm
Vanarama National League North
Referee: Ashley Clarke | Assitant Referees: Joesph Larkin & Craig Thompson | Fourth Official: Simon Kavanagh
FORM
OXFORD CITY - W L W D D
After the weekend’s point against Kidderminster, City are still yet to get their first win in the league for 2025. Against sides in the top 10 this season City have won once, drawn six and lost six.
But fear not, the form table shows that win is just around the corner. We have picked up an average of 1.15 points per game so far this season. However, over the last eight games we have managed 1.50 points per game, a 30.4% increase.
The Hoops have scored 1.50 goals at home in the last eight games, as compared to the 1.42 goals we have averaged over the course of the season. More impressively, we have conceded 1.13 goals which is far below our season average of 1.62.
The recent signs are positive for City who will be looking to take all three points, as they feel they should have done against Chorley and Kidderminster.
CURZON ASHTON - L L W L D
With just one win in five league games and the loss away to Leamington putting an end to their five-game winning streak, Curzon Ashton will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they travel to Oxford.
Curzon have only scored three times in their last five and conceded eight times. Away from home they average 1.31 goals against, with nine of those coming from Stefan Mols, The Nash’s top scorer for the year.
Curzon have only lost twice to sides in the bottom half of the league this year and twice away from home all season.
On away form only, Curzon sit top of the league with nine wins, two draw and two losses. Impressive!
THE MANAGER - Craig Mahon
Mahon is currently the player-manager of Curzon and has started for the Nash six times this season.
The 35-year-old began his career at Wigan Athletic but moved to Vauxhall in 2010 where he played 117 games. He then transferred to Chester where played 215 times in the league, breaking the club’s all-time appearance record.
Mahon’s only managerial experience is with Curzon. He became the interim manager in 2021, before retaking the reigns as interim once again in 2023 for the season. IN February of 2024 he was offered the role full time and has guided Curzon to a more than respectable 6th place this season.
ONE TO WATCH - Stefan Mols
As Curzon’s leading scorer for this season with 16 in all competitions and nine in the league, Stefan Mols will be a threat to the City backline.
The 25-year-old prolific striker is enjoying his best season so far, having netted 12 times last season in 49 appearances.
The Spaniard began his career at Blackburn making his debut for the side in the EFL Trophy against Bury in a 1-0 defeat before moving to Warrington Town where he spent two years.
His move to Curzon seems to have sparked the forward into life as he continues to make waves and cause defences real problems.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PARTNERS
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