Article by Lewis McInnes
Men’s team: Southport 2-4 Curzon Ashton
The Nash began a double game-week with a resounding 4-2 victory at Southport.
It only took six minutes for Curzon to break the deadlock as Brad Holmes claimed his ninth goal of the season. Alex Curran’s free-kick into the box fell to Holmes as he smashed home the opener.
Southport managed to level the score on the 22nd minute as Malakai McKenzie latched on to a loose ball and emphatically finished into the top left corner of Callum Hawkins goal.
However, Curzon’s persistence paid off and Alex Curran put the away side back in front. Curran got on the end of a perfectly timed flick from captain Jimmy Spencer and buried the ball in the side netting of the bottom left corner to see the one-goal lead restored before half-time.
Just before the hour mark, it would Brad Holmes once again who found the scoresheet. He was found by Jimmy Spencer inside the box and took a touch to steady himself before finding the bottom right corner.
But, the score was to be pegged back once again as Luke Griffiths curled a free-kick into the top left corner from the edge of the box, giving the home side some hope heading into the final 15 minutes.
Brad Holmes decided he had other ideas, and three minutes later finished off the game by notching his first senior hat-trick. A ball into the box from Alex Curran bounced off a Southport defender before falling into the path of Holmes who stabbed the ball home to seal all three points for Mark Bradshaw’s side.
Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 Curzon Ashton
Curzon began 2026 with a defeat to fourth-placed Kidderminster Harriers on the road, with David Davis grabbing the only goal.
Both sides began the game with chances of their own, with the home side trying their luck first. A cross-come-shot from Reece Devine struck the crossbar before Jimmy Spencer found Brad Holmes who had a one-on-one chance but his effort was saved by Christian Dibble in the Kidderminster goal.
The remainder of the chances in the first half fell to the away side with Brad Holmes not being able to beat the on-form Dibble as the score remained level at half-time.
Kidderminster made the brighter start to the second half and took the lead in the 56th minute. A corner fell to Paul Kalambayi whose stabbed effort at goal was helped home by David Davis.
Curzon’s final opportunity fell to the head of the in-form Brad Holmes who found himself free in the box and got on the end of a cross from Tony Weston. However, his effort was directed straight at Chrisitan Dibble as Kidderminster saw the rest of the game out to secure the win.
The Nash will look to go again next week as they return to The Tameside Stadium on Saturday 10th January when they host Bedford Town, 3pm KO.
In other Men’s team news:
- Crispin McLean has returned to Fleetwood Town upon the expiration of his loan. The club wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his time at The Nash.
- Tickets are available for purchase for Saturday’s game at the Tameside Stadium against Bedford Town HERE
Women’s team:
The Women’s fixture against Mancunian Unity Women was postponed yesterday due to the weather conditions.
Their next scheduled fixture is an away trip to Tranmere Rovers Women on Sunday 11th January, taking place at Ellesmere Port Sports Village 3G, with kick-off at 2:00PM.
In other Women’s news:
- The Women’s team are currently recruiting for a variety of management and backroom staff positions, click HERE for more information.
Reserves:
The Reserves had no scheduled fixture this week, however they are due back in action next week.
Ramsbottom United Reserves will travel to the Tameside Stadium 3G on 10th January, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30PM.
Club news:
- Dean Windass will be our after dinner speaker at our next sportsman’s dinner in March 2026, for further information please click HERE.
- Hospitality will return to the Tameside Stadium for our home game against AFC Telford on Saturday 17th January – more information can be found HERE
- 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.
