Its matchday 22 in the Enterprise National League North and the Martyrs host 9th placed Curzon Ashton at Penydarren Park. Last time out Paul Michael's side were handed their first defeat in 9 league games by AFC Fylde following a decisive goal from forward Danny Omerod. The visitors, Curzon Ashton were victorious in their last league game as they cemented their intent for a playoff push while defeating Alfreton Town 2-1 after a last-minute winner from forward Bradley Holmes secured the all-important 3 points. Following their victory against Alfreton 'The Nash' find themselves sitting just 1 point outside the playoff places and they will be looking to pick up another victory and put themselves into the top 7.

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS

In recent history, Merthyr have only locked horns with Curzon Ashton once and that was in the reverse fixture of this season which saw the Martyrs pick up a dominant 3-0 away win following a brace from Ricardo Rees and a goal from Kieron Evans in matchday 4 of the Enterprise National League North season.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT- KEY STAFF

Head Coach- Mark Bradshaw

Mark Bradshaw was appointed head coach of Curzon Ashton replacing Craig Mahon in June 2025 prior to the 2025/26 season. Prior to coaching Mark Bradshaw had a successful playing career which started in Blackpool's youth system. Following a spell at Blackpool's youth team, Mark Bradshaw stepped up to the first team where he made 42 appearances for the side between 1986 and 1990. In the final year of his time at Blackpool he was sent on loan to York City but made just one appearance for the side. After Bradshaw's loan spell at York, he made the permanent move to Stafford Rangers where he spent the next 4 years of his career. Bradshaw had a successful time at Stafford Rangers scoring 7 goals from left back in 160 games for the club until he left to sign for Macclesfield Town in 1994 where he went on to make a further 66 appearances. Following the conclusion of his 3-year spell at Macclesfield Town, Bradshaw made the move to Halifax where he appeared 125 times for the club between 1997 and 2001 while scoring 12 goals. The final years of Mark Bradshaw's playing carer saw him play for numerous clubs such as Droylsden, Mossley and Woodley before bringing his playing career to an end at Curzon Ashton. Since he hung up his boots and brought an end to his playing career Mark Bradshaw has spent his time supporting Curzon Ashton FC in numerous capacities which includes how he gained his first management experience as he spent two years as manager of Curzon Ashton's Ladies in 2008. Bradshaw finally made the step up to men's first team head coach in June 2025 as he replaced Craig Mahon who left to pursue the opportunity of first team manager at AFC Fylde.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT- SEASON SO FAR

Since Paul Michael's side defeated Curzon Ashton 'The Nash' have had a relatively positive campaign which sees them just outside the playoff places. Their first game after hosting Merthyr saw them travel to Buxton FC on bank holiday Monday in which 'The Nash' came out victorious after a narrow 3-2 win. However, Curzon Ashton were handed yet another defeat as they lost 1-0 at home to Kidderminster Harriers but Mark Bradshaw rallied his troops and led them to bounce back from defeat to pick up the 3 points at home against Chorley with goals from Bradley Holmes and James Spencer. In the following 9 games 'The Nash' lost just twice while winning 4 and drawing 3. Their most notable victories in this spell were an away 4-0 victory against Marine and a home 3-0 victory against King's Lynn Town. However, their positive run of from was brought to an end as they were handed another loss at home as Scarborough Athletic claimed a 2-1 victory at the Tameside stadium. Despite this, Bradshaw's side instantly bounced back from defeat as they travelled to Worksop Town and picked up a narrow 1-0 win following an 87th minute winner from Chi Ezennolim. In the 3 league games prior to the Merthyr Town clash Curzon Ashton have won just once which came against Alfreton Town while they drew with Darlington and lost 3-1 to AFC Fylde. The top goal scorer so far this season for 'The Nash' has been attacker Alex Curran who has bagged himself 7 goals and has been a vital figure in Curzon Ashton's playoff push.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT- 2025/26 SQUAD

Goalkeepers- Callum Hawkins, Josh Ollerenshaw

Defenders- Timi Sobowale, Jack Stafford, Marcus Poscha, Joel Amado, Chris Stokes, Cian Flannery, Jordan Richards, Chi Eze

Midfielders- Jack Stobbs, Alex Curran, Crispin Mclean, Charlie Weston, Ben Darby, Ben Connolly, Harry Olufowobi, Adam Barton

Forwards- Jimmy Spencer, Tony Weston, Joe Rodwell-Grant, Brad Holmes

Match Details:

Date- Saturday 20th December 2025

Competition- Enterprise National League North

Time- 15.00

Stadium- Penydarren Park