Central Host Gregs In County Cup

Manchester Central have been drawn at home to Manchester Gregorians in the first round of the Manchester FA Challenge Trophy in a reversal of the 2017 Murray Shield Semi-Final.

Gregs will visit the Seashell Trust on September 30th as both sides look to put aside underwhelming starts to their respective league campaigns and start a cup run.

The two teams have already faced off this year, with Central running out convincing winners in pre-season.

Four second half goals saw Central claim a 5-0 win back in July, a result Chris Tomkinson's side will be determined to repeat in their first competitive fixture against Gregs since 2019.

Central boss Tomkinson is aiming to go one better than last year in this seasons competition, having been beaten by Chadderton Reserves 5-4 on penalties in the final last time out.

"The cup run last year was fantastic but we've got a point to prove this season after the heartbreak of losing the final on penalties

"We've had a slow start to the league season so I'm looking at this as a kind of fresh start, new competition to really get our teeth into and hopefully a cup run will help to boost our league form as well.

"Every season we go into it aiming to win as many games as we can and pick up some silverware along the way. We came so close last season but I'm hoping we can use that experience to go one step further this year and bring home a trophy."

The winner of the tie will progress to the quarter-final stage, just two wins away from a shot at silverware.

Here is the first round draw in full;

North Walkden Open Age Vs Cadderton Cott

Manchester Central Vs Manchester Gregorians

Heywood St James Vs Avenue MFL

Abacus Media Vs Denton Town

East Manchester Vs Irlam Steel Rangers

Chadderton Reserves Vs Avro Reserves

Moorside Rangers Vs Baguley Athletic

Salford Victoria Vs Egerton