Curzon v Witton: preview (From Northwich Guardian)

Witton Albion return to scene of play-offs triumph to play Curzon Ashton in Doodson Sport Cup

1:42pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Sport By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

Curzon Ashton v Witton Albion Kick off 7.45pm)
Doodson Sport Cup Quarter final
Venue Tameside Stadium, Richmond Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, OL7 9HG
Referee Bob Roberts (Leyland)
Admission Adults £7.50, Concessions (NUS/OAP) £3
Previous meeting Curzon Ashton 0 Witton 3 (Northern Premier League Division One North play-offs final, April 28 2012)

Match pointers
WITTON Albion return later to Curzon Ashton, a pitch on which they beat the hosts in last season’s Division One North play-offs final to seal a return to the Premier Division after three years away.

The prize on offer this time is more modest, mind; the last remaining semi finals berth in the Doodson Sport Cup.

Hosts Curzon claimed an important league success against Salford City only on Monday night, their third match in a five-day period.

However, after claiming the scalp of a top tier opponent in each of the past two rounds, John Flanagan’s men will be keen to add another when Witton visit.

His players are in fine form too; Curzon have won 11 of 12 competitive matches since losing heavily at home to Skelmersdale United at the start of last month.

Albion boss Brian Pritchard has already said he will select his starting line-up with one eye on Saturday’s crucial home game with fellow play-offs hopefuls Rushall Olympic.

Top scorer Shaun Tuck (hamstring), defender Josh Glover (shoulder) and goalkeeper Matt Cooper (thigh) are his biggest injury concerns following a weekend win against Kendal.

The Cumbrians cut short Witton’s run to this stage of last season’s competition.