Manchester Senior Cup Mini-Derby City 1-3 United

The newly-refurbished Ewen Fields Stadium, home of Hyde FC set the stage for the first City Reserves match of the season at 'home' last night with a well fought rubber in the Manchester Senior Cup against Stretford's finest.

Whilst City fielded amore traditional team of young talent for this match their Old Trafford counterparts took the opportunity to field a side that is likely to play in the Carling Cup (early rounds anyway) and once again demonstrated their fear of losing against City, even at this level.

With players like Nimely, Helan, Elabdellaoui & Ibrahim wearing the Blue shirts, it was anticipated that they would be given a stern test by the likes of Neville, Brown, Carrick, Anderson, Macheda and co all parading in this year's new kit, which looks pretty insipid by recent standards and not vibrant crimson of seasons gone by.

And although United's eleven was made up of at least half who have played in the Champions League, city's youngsters faced up to the early task and Nimely pointed the way with a goal after 11 minutes.

The rest of the half looked end-to-end until Macheda popped up to level the scores a little before half-time.

United started to boss the second half as the young blue legs started to tire and with 20 mins left Macheda was on hand to put United ahead, quickly followed by a goal from Cleverely which put the tie beyond City's reach.

Although disappointed Andy Welsh's men were not disgraced as they faceda team costing in excess of £50million, most of which can't get a game in the first team. Probably something to do with Kami-Kazi spending.

The crowd of around 1600 enjoyed their night's football and it was great to see Ewen Fields well attended for a match sandwiched between two City First Team matches and with Champions League football on TV.

I hope City fans continue to support Reserves Fixtures at Ewen Fields. Hyde FC is a very hospitable football club with excellent facilites and a superb playing surface. Their staff can't do enough to help City and it really is a privilege to be playing our matches on what after Eastlands and Old Trafford must be the best maintained football pitch in the Greater Manchester area. No offence to other clubs but the groundsman (Charlie last year and Graham this year) must have worked at the Crucible in another life. The only sad thing is that Charlie retired last season and is sadly missed. Graham will I'm sure step up to the plate.

Aston Villa up next Tuesday - kick-off 7pm. Get yourselves there!!

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