Article by Lewis McInnes

Men’s Team: Merthyr Town 2-1 Curzon Ashton

The Nash were on the wrong end of a tight contest in South Wales as Merthyr scored a late winner to take all three points at Penydarren Park.

Curzon were the quickest out of the blocks with Charlie Weston, Tony Weston and Alex Curran all having opportunities to open the scoring.

However, it was the home side who got their noses in front in additional time at the end of the first half. Merthyr were awarded a penalty and it would be the National League North’s top goalscorer, Ricardo Rees, who stepped up and slotted the ball past Callum Hawkins.

As Mark Bradshaw’s side continued to battle through the second half, the reward finally came in the 78th minute. Crispin McLean played through Brad Holmes who smashed the ball home to level the score and grab his 8th goal of the season.

Just two minutes later it would be Lee Lucas who grabbed the winner for The Martyrs, keeping them six points behind table-toppers South Shields.

The Nash return to action by hosting play-off chasing and local rivals Radcliffe on Boxing Day (3PM KO), tickets are available to buy HERE.

In other Men’s First Team news:

• This week, Max Murray & George Sebine joined The Nash on a short-term youth loan until 13th January.

Women’s Team:

The Women’s team had no fixture this week and will return to action with a trip to Mancunian Unity Women on 4th January with the fixture taking place at Chadderton Football Club.

In other Women’s news:

Reserves:

The Reserves had no scheduled fixture this week and are currently not scheduled to play until January as it stands.

Ramsbottom United Reserves will travel to the Tameside Stadium 3G on 10th January, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30PM.

In other Reserves news:

Club news:

• For those that have sponsored any players or management this season, signed photos are available to collect from the club – contact media@curzon-ashton.co.uk to arrange collection.
• Dean Windass will be our after dinner speaker at our next sportsman’s dinner in March 2026, for further information please click HERE.
• For a chance to win a monthly cash prize while also contributing and supporting the maintenance & development at Curzon Ashton, join the 100 club – more information HERE.
• Fans attending our next home fixture against Radcliffe on Boxing Day can claim a pint of Guinness/non-alcoholic, more information on how to claim can be found HERE.
• The club will be opening its doors on Sunday 28th December between 12-6pm, – looking to dust off the Christmas cobwebs and get out of the house? Visit the Nash Bar and enjoy some good company in a warm, social, informal environment.