MIDDLEWICH Town Reserves warmed up for the cup showdown with the first team with a stunning 3-0 victory away to Barnton Reserves.
A youthful Town side took the lead after just 12 minutes when Steve Wright bustled his way through two defenders to slam home from close range after good work from Rob Hopley.
Having more of the play on a lively pitch Middlewich failed to capitalise on some quality approach play with Paul Allen, Jamie Petrie and Hopley all going close in the first half.
Middlewich were unlucky at the start of the second half when, from an Adam Morris corner, Tom Allen's header was well saved by the excellent Barnton keeper.
Middlewich increased their lead on 57 minutes through Hopley whose fine strike beat the Barnton keeper after being put through by Chris Hudson.
Town brought on Matt Bailey for the unwell Morris, Paul Bayliss for Wright and Paul Scott for Petrie.
The talented Scott made an immediate impression with some fine work down the left hand side and, with Hopley pushed upfront alongside Allen, Town always looked dangerous in attack.
On 80 minutes a fine move involving Allen and Scott saw Chris Hudson add a well deserved third after Hopley had gone close.
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