History awaits as Central butt heads with Chadderton Reserves for Cup Glory

Manchester Central have the chance to add another trophy to their cabinet on Friday night, when they face Chadderton Reserves in the final of the Manchester Challenge Trophy

Central’s journey in the competition began with familiar opposition in Avro Reserves in the 1st round, where Central notched an impressive 2-1 win to kick off their path to the final. The season was fresh, which meant new faces, players with a point to prove and those looking to regain form from the season prior. A close contest, but Central ran out victors and marched on to the Quarter-Finals.

Then came an enthralling tie with Premier Division side Heywood St James who although were struggling, were to provide a stern test for Central if they were to progress to the last four of the competition.

Central came from behind in the game before the visitors grabbed an equaliser in the final 15 minutes of the contest, ultimately sending the game to penalties. In what was a nervy, tense shootout, full of ups and downs and twists and turns, Daniel Whiting was the hero on the day. Keeping out the decisive penalty sent Central into raptures, keeping their cup dream well and truly alive.

In what was simply a five-star display from those in the black and white strip, Central produced arguably their best performance this season in the Semi-Final tie with Heyside.

From the moment the first goal made the net ripple, Central were purring and went on to hit Heyside for five at their own ground. Central cruised into the final with ease and set up a rematch for the ages with Chadderton, who Central hit five past in the Terry Wood Cup final back in 2018. The story was certainly set. Both sides are one step away from cup glory.

There is only one stop left for Central, who will look to conclude an impressive cup run with victory on Friday, whilst Chadderton will surely have revenge on their minds. It will all play out at Hyde United’s Ewan Fields at 19:45 GMT, to see who will have the ultimate bragging rights.