Victorious Nash Return Home

On Sunday (14th July), Curzon Ashton picked up their first silverware since 2019 after lifting the Bulls Cup in Jersey!

Photo: Curzon Ashton FC

The Bulls Cup is a pre-season tournament played at Springfield Stadium in Jersey. The competition begun in 2022 with the competing teams being hosts Jersey Bulls FC, alongside invitees Cray Wanderers, FC United of Manchester & Hashtag United FC. FC United came out on top, beating the hosts in the final 6-1, lifting the inaugural Bulls Cup. The Bulls Cup was not held last season due to an unknown reason but returned this year with the competitors being the hosts Jersey Bulls FC, alongside invitees Arthurian League, Curzon Ashton FC & Wythenshawe Town FC.

Current National League North side, Curzon Ashton FC won the trophy after beating Arthurian League comfortably in the final, 5-0. Goals from new signing Isaac Buckley-Ricketts (x2), player/manager Craig Mahon, central defender Devon Matthews & full-back Jordan Richards saw the Nash pick up their first silverware since 2019, when they defeated Mossley AFC in the Manchester Premier Cup, a Lilywhites side which included name well known by Nash fans, Josh Ollerenshaw, who missed out on the trip to Jersey.

Talking of familiar faces, in the semi-final the Nash faced newly-promoted Northern Premier League side Wythenshawe Town FC, in which they faced earlier in the year in the afore mentioned Manchester Premier Cup. Disposing of Wythy Town 2-0 at the Tameside, thanks to goals from Jamie Allen & Hayden Campbell, both of which have since left. Wythy Town fielded an ex-Nashtonian in midfield by the name of Luke Merrill. A product of the Nash academy, Luke was given his first-team opportunity in 2019 by then first-team manager, Mark Bradshaw. Luke Merrill left the Tameside club in 2022.

Photo: Curzon Ashton FC

With the Nash academy in mind, 3 youth players were brought along to Jersey. Charlie Bingley, Oliver Kvaternik & Cameron Tetlow all made the cross channel trip to join up with the first-team squad & gain valuable experience. Bingley made his debut for the Nash against Wythenshawe Town FC in Manchester Premier Cup tie in January, whilst both Kvaternik & Tetlow yet to make a competitive appearance but are said to have impressed over the weekend's games.

Curzon Ashton FC returned home to Ashton-under-Lyne on Monday (15th July) ahead of their pre-season clash with Ossett United FC on Wednesday (17th July). The Nash begin their National League North season by hosting newcomers Needham Market FC.