Radcliffe and Curzon Ashton will attempt to play at the Tameside Stadium for the third time this campaign after the first was called off at the break in November due to poor weather, and the second being rearranged due to Radcliffe’s progression in the FA Trophy.

The Boro will be looking to gain three points on a night when the two sides directly below them in the table make long trips north in their bids for survival, and a win will see Radcliffe claim back-to-back victories on the road for the first time since October.

The Opposition

Curzon Ashton are still within range of a late title challenge but would require a win in both of their games in hands to move them within six points of Scunthorpe at the top of the pile. A defeat tonight would leave the Tameside outfit 11 points off the top and make automatic promotion nearly impossible.

The hosts will be looking to make amends for their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Marine at the weekend, after being sucker punched late on. With the game at 0-0 in the 86th minute, Curzon gave away a penalty that was later converted by Jack Hazlehurst. Fortunately for them, they weren’t leap-frogged in the table as the three sides that could have moved up the table all lost as well.

Craig Mahon’s side have won four of their last six matches but have suffered two 1-0 defeats, one at home and one away. Both games saw Curzon concede late in the half, once in the 43rd minute and the other in the 86th.

Despite having the best away record in the division, Curzon Ashton have been the ninth-worst side when at home. However, it could still be described as promotion form with the Nash taking 1.5 points per game at home compared to 2 points per game away.

Ones To Watch

33-year-old striker Jimmy Spencer has been a key member of the Curzon Ashton squad, known to us already as he scored a brace in the reverse fixture. With 11 goals and seven assists to his name across the campaign, the forward will want to make a mark on the game after he received a straight red card on Saturday before his ban begins.

Former FC United of Manchester midfielder Luke Griffiths will be aiming to make an impact on tonight’s affairs. The 26-year-old has 37 appearances to his name this season, scoring five goals in the process with a 54% win percentage, his presence in the centre of the park has the potential to change a game at any moment.

Stat Pack

5th – League Position – 19th
36 – Games Played – 37
64 – Points – 42
19 – Wins – 11
7 – Draws – 9
10 – Losses – 17
48 – Goals For – 48
27 – Goals Against – 61
Stefan Mols (12) – Top Goalscorer – Jordan Hulme (12)

Last Time Out

Saturday 8th March 2025 – Radcliffe 1-2 Curzon Ashton 

Following an emphatic midweek victory over South Shields on Tuesday night, the Boro couldn’t claim back-to-back wins at the Neuven Stadium as two second-half goals from James Spencer handed Curzon Ashton all three points.

With the game still at 0-0, Curzon Ashton missed a clear-cut chance on the 40-minute mark leaving the away side questioning how they hadn’t gotten their noses in front. Possession was at the feet of Stefan Mols on the right-hand channel before the Spaniard pulled the ball back for Isaac Buckley-Ricketts who fluffed his shot when he looked destined to score.

After entering the break level, Radcliffe were reduced to 10 men nine minutes into the second half after Brad Jackson’s challenge on Hayhurst was judged to have been a second bookable offence, putting the Boro in a tough position with over half an hour remaining.

Curzon Ashton punished the hosts moments later by putting themselves ahead, making the most of the man advantage almost instantly. Buckley-Ricketts set the ball up nicely for Spencer to take a first-time shot and fire beyond the reach of Hewelt from 25 yards out, leaving the Radcliffe goalkeeper with absolutely no chance as his effort nestled into the far corner.

Two minutes later, Hulme gained a penalty for Radcliffe after being brought to the ground inside the box. Tom Walker converted the chance and levelled the game with his seventh goal of the campaign.

The two teams applied pressure onto the opposition defence at both ends of the field in an effort to grab all three points in the final quarter of the afternoon, but the crucial moment would come with 10 minutes of the 90 remaining, as Curzon Ashton netted their second.

Luis Lacey’s shot from inside the six-yard area ricocheted off the post after connecting with Conor Falls’ cross, and the rebound found Spencer in space to bury the ball home on the follow-up, sealing his brace.

Attacking changes gave Radcliffe added energy in the final moments of the game, but their attempts weren’t enough to create drama late on and the away side managed to see out the game with the scoreline in their favour.

Matchday Information

Date: 18/03/25
Time: 7:45pm kick-off
Location: Tameside Stadium

Adults – £5
Concessions (65+) and Students – £5
U16s – £2

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Read our away information article here.

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Around The Grounds

Alfreton Town v Darlington
Kidderminster Harriers v Scunthorpe United
South Shields v Oxford City
Spennymoor Town v Needham Market