FA Cup Hopes: Curzon Fan 'Dredzz' Wants Derby County Showdown

Six years have passed since Curzon Ashton embarked on a memorable journey in the FA Cup.

Under former managers John Flanagan and Ian Nevison, the Nash progressed to the second round and faced AFC Wimbledon at the Tameside Stadium. Televised live on BT Sport, the game evoked a roller coaster of emotions as Curzon, enjoying their second season in the National League North, looked destined to reach the third round after taking a 3-0 lead through Adam Morgan’s hat-trick. A fairytale story in the making, but one that was tragically torn to pieces in the final ten minutes, as Wimbledon staged a dramatic comeback to put four past the hosts and book their place in the next stage of the competition.

Since that crazy run in 2016, Curzon have failed to reach the first round - until now.

Curzon boss Adam Lakeland, who assembled a strong squad over summer, has navigated his way through three stages to reach the first round. A 3-2 victory at FC United of Manchester was followed by a 2-2 draw at Scarborough Athletic, thus forcing a replay three days laters, which saw the Nash win 3-2 in extra time.

Then, on Saturday, Lakeland’s side made the tough trip to Peterborough Sports - a club riding the crest of a wave following promotion to the National League North last season. Backed by a vociferous following, who took advantage of free coach travel courtesy of the management team and directors, Curzon secured their passage into the promised land of the first round thanks to Josh Hancock’s 57th minute penalty.

In terms of prize money alone, progressing through the three qualifying stages has boosted the club’s coffers by £18,375. Victory in the next round is rewarded with mouth-watering £41,000, along with the opportunity of a second round tie and further exposure on a national scale.

For Curzon supporter Gaz Weston (pictured below) -  who is better known on the terraces as ‘Dredzz’ - the FA Cup has become a key date on his calendar. A former Oldham Athletic supporter, Gaz exchanged the Football League and Boundary Park for the Tameside Stadium and step eight football in 2014.

An altercation with an Oldham director on New Year’s Day, during a fixture against Shrewsbury Town at Boundary Park, made Gaz question his 36-year allegiance to the Latics. 

Having travelled length and breadth of the country to watch Oldham, taking in 130 grounds in the process, it wasn't a decision Gaz made lightly, but one he felt forced to do.

However, Gaz's protest against Oldham has since developed into a deep-rooted love affair with Curzon.

Now, with the FA Cup first round scheduled for Saturday 5 November, Gaz is hoping that his beloved Curzon can light up the skies with a match-winning performance. The flag-bearing metalhead would love to see former Premier League outfit Derby County visit the Tameside Stadium - a far cry from the state-of-the-art, 33,597 capacity Pride Park.

Speaking to Reporter Sport about the promising foundations laid by Lakeland this season, Gaz said: “We seem to have a bar of steel through us, even when we’re under pressure, and we manage to dig deep and get results. Winning at Kidderminster and drawing at Spennymoor, clubs who have spent a lot of money on their budget, goes to show that we're solid.

Questioned on the possibility of a playoff push in the National League North, Gaz said: “We definitely can, especially with the squad we have this season.

“I suppose it’s down to luck with injuries and if you can keep everyone fit, but we can push for the playoffs, as we almost did last season. Personally, I’m just amazed we manage to survive every year, because the level of club in this league is unbelievable and we’re matching  them. It’s great to be part of, it really is.”

Pictures by Oli Biddle @biddleofnowhere