Cup glory awaits as Central face Showdown with Chadderton

Manchester Central face a cup final clash with Premier Division side Chadderton Reserves as both sides search for glory in the Manchester Challenge Trophy.

Chadderton knocked off Abacus Media, Salford Victoria and Irlam Steel Rangers to face Central in the final, whilst Central got past Avro Reserves, Heywood St James and Heyside in route to the final.

The contest will also be a rematch of the 2018 Terry Wood Cup final, where then Central ran out victors through a resounding 5-0 win.

A classic awaits on Friday evening, with both teams having a lot to play for this season. Neither side have set the world alight in their respective leagues, with Central eighth in Division One, whilst Chadderton sit ninth in the Premier Division.

However, there is a contrast in form between both sides. Chadderton are yet to lose since the turn of the new year, winning three of the four fixtures they have played since returning from the winter break. Meanwhile Central have struggled as of late in Division One, having lost their last three, whilst failing to score in that period.

Form can be thrown out of the window for a cup final however, as we have seen so many times in the past. It will be all to play for at Ewan Field’s, where both sets of teams will go at it for all the marbles and look to lift the trophy at the end of it all.

Central suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bolton Lads & Girls Club last time out, extending their winless run to three despite starting the year with three consecutive Division One wins.

Those in the black and white strip just could not find that elusive equaliser, although having the majority of the possession in the game, and the better chances, Central fell just short.

Their opponents on Friday however scored an impressive 4-2 win over Old Altrinchamians at the weekend, securing their third successive victory in the Premier Division.

Chadderton do head into the game with greater momentum than Central, albeit their last three wins have been over teams below them in the standings. Even so, Central have struggled to deal with the sides below them, results like their 3-2 defeat to East Manchester and their 1-1 draw with Tintwistle Athletic have left them struggling for momentum and consistency.

Although Central have typically been in fine goalscoring form this campaign, excluding their last three fixtures, they had been able to score in every single game, whilst being in the top five sides for goals scored in Division One.

Many of their goals came from forward Fuad Kasali in the first half of the season, who has been unavailable for Chris Tomkinson’s side as of late, whilst midfielder Kaine Martin found himself in a purple patch of scoring form in a period spanning from late 2022, up until their most recent victory over East Manchester at the end of January.

Chadderton don’t hold the same scoring proficiency as Central, having only notched 31 times this season. However, Central’s upcoming opponents have a mighty defensive record, boasting the joint best in the Premier Division, only letting in 21 goals.

This sets up an intriguing tussle between these sides. One, notorious for scoring goals and high-octane football, the other, excellent defensively and tough to beat.

The Manchester Challenge Trophy final is set, and both managers, sets of players and staff will have to muster up all the courage, desire and belief to set their course towards the ultimate prize.

In what will surely be a tense, gritty and well fought contest, Chadderton and Central are ready to lock horns and fight to lift the Manchester Challenge Trophy on Friday evening.