When the draw was made, the group chat was alive. Another chance for Curzon to turn up and show they are the big guys in town, and this time against familiar foes and league rivals Kings Lynn, whom of course, have ex Curzon manager Adam Lakeland and Curzon club legend Sam Walker at the helm.

However, this may be the first time that The Nash go into a clash against their former manager as strong favourites, something both Lakeland and Curzon boss Craig Mahon have eluded to in interviews over the past few weeks.

In an interview with non-league podcaster and writer Tom Williams (Full interview can be found here – membership required) Mahon, spoke openly about his passion for the Curzon and how he saw the opportunity to take over from Lakeland as an “unbelievable opportunity, and the perfect scenario” after he’d been captain of the club under the previously.

He also spoke about now, becoming the decision maker at the club, with an early decision being to make Jimmy Spencer captain. Spencer being another close player to Lakeland after he followed shortly after from Farsley Celtic, to Curzon in February 2023 and has remained loyal to the Nash since Adam’s departure.

Mahon has also spoken about how he loves Curzon being an underdog, and others not looking at them too closely. However, if there was ever going to be someone who will be looking at The Nash under a microscope, it will be Lakeland.

Kings Lynn Town (The Linnets), will undoubtedly be after revenge. The have played The Nash twice with Lakeland steering the ship, but both times have been humbled at home (4-0 and 2-0) so will be hoping that the Tameside can change that for the Linnets.

After progression in the last round against Worksop (which required a replay), Lakeland stated that they will have “no pressure or expectation on them (Kings Lynn)” and that all the pressure will be on The Nash being at home. He then also eluded to no longer caring about Curzon Ashton and his 12+ months at Kings Lynn meant his focus was now on them and had been for the entirety of that time.

He did again mention that the majority of the squad currently at The Nash he had brought to the club, and they were and still are, all used to winning. Comments that in previous programme notes early in 2023, hadn’t gone down too well with Curzon supporters. He also mentioned he firmly believes that Kings Lynn will finish above Curzon Ashton “eventually”.

Not to add any more fuel to the fire, but the winner of the tie would mean an opportunity for “greatness” as they would enter the FA Cup 1st round with potential clashes against ex Premier League sides such as Reading, Charlton or Bolton, or potential “world” renowned sides Wrexham or Birmingham….. Too early to dream?

Destiny awaits…..

#UTN | #TheNash

Match Information
Emirates FA Cup 4th Round qualifying | 12th October 2024
Curzon Ashton vs Kings Lynn Town | 15:00 Kick off
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Adults £17 | Concessions £12
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Match Preview by Oli Biddle