Macron Cup Final Day

So finally it's here, Monday 4th May 2026 and we're just hours away from The Macron Cup Final.

It’s a competition that The Non-League Reds have historically not performed particularly well in, with the exception of the dark days of the Covid season!!

In that 2019/20 season we managed to get through to the Semi-Final, following a 5-1 success at Litherland Remyca. However, the fates conspired against everyone and the season was brought to a halt before the competitions could be concluded.

The Semi-Final was played as the opening game of the following season. An equaliser in the last minute from Phil Heron, added to goals from Kyle and Callum Schorah, meant the match ended 3-3, with AFC going out on penalties.

Other than that strange conclusion, our love affair with the Macron Cup has usually lasted two games at best, with not too many highlights over the years. However, this season it has featured very highly on AFC’s agenda, particularly as each round has been successfully ticked off.

A first-round tie against South Liverpool back at the end of September, set the tone of things to come. A goal apiece for Dan Mahaffy and Adam Moorcroft in the first half and one for Liam Paton sealed a confident 3-1 victory.

Dan Mahaffy fires in the opener at South Liverpool

The 2nd round draw brought Maghull to the Berry Street Garage Stadium, where two Elliot Taylor goals and one for Caleb Jones, gave AFC another 3-1 victory.

Caleb celebrating his goal against Maghull

3rd round action took us 'over the water' for a tie against Cammell Laird 1907, where, yes you've guessed it, there was another 3-1 victory, thanks to goals from Adam Moorcroft, Joel Skillen and Elliot Taylor.

AFC were back at home for the Quarter-Final tie against Euxton Villa. Another three goals, this time without reply, secured a place in the Semi-Final. A brace for Caleb Jones and an Elliot Taylor effort, were enough to get the win and a place in the last four.

Caleb lobs the Euxton keeper and finds the back of the net

The Semi-Final opposition were a very strong Nelson side, who have since gone on to lift the Division One North title. However, AFC with the home crowd behind them, put in a great performance. All square at 1-1 (Joel Skillen) at half-time, an Elliot Taylor penalty and a late Tom Beckett strike, sealed another 3-1 victory and sent AFC through to today's Final, against a strong West Didsbury & Chorlton side.

Joel, Elliot and Tom secure a Final spot for AFC

So, onto today and what is sure to be a great battle between two attacking sides. There are usually plenty of goals when the two sides meet. West Didsbury & Chorlton won the first meeting this season at their place 4-3, with AFC winning their home fixture 4-1 back in March. There have been something like 49 goals in the last 8 meetings between the clubs.

West have threats all over the pitch, with Ben Elliot, Lewis Billingsley and Victor Abadaki, amongst others, always carrying a goal threat. It also remains to be seen whether or not Jordan Lazenbury will be included in their squad.

The Non-League Reds for their part, have had a positive finish to the season and with an almost fully fit squad to choose from, carry plenty of threat of their own and as ever, it's likely to come down to who can perform the better on the day.

It will be great to see all the travelling Non-League Reds' fans there today, Kick-off at Accrington Stanley's Wham Stadium is 3pm. Let's hope for a great day out, lots of positive support and a memorable day for all.

See you there!!