5 Things to Know Ahead of Hindley Juniors Trip

Manchester Central look to end their ongoing winless run in Division One when they visit struggling side Hindley Juniors. Here are five things you need to know ahead of an important game for Central.

Bolton-Central Fixture Abandoned Early

Central’s last scheduled fixture in Division One against Bolton United was abandoned early last weekend due to a physical altercation that took place between the two sides early in the second period of the game.

Bolton will be the more relieved of the two sides, as Central were in total control at the point the game was brought to a halt. Daniel Dolling, Nell Noupoue and Ruben Lawal gave the visitors a commanding three goal lead at the half, putting in one of their best performances in recent memory.

That performance unfortunately went to waste for Chris Tomkinson’s side, who missed out on a first win in league football in five matches. The fixture is yet to be rescheduled, but Central will look to move on and end this winless run once and for all.

Winless Run Extended to Five in Division One

Manchester Central have endured a rough patch of form in league football recently, failing to pick up three points since their 5-0 win over Wilmslow Albion in mid-September. Their trip to Hindley will provide another opportunity to pick up a victory that they have longed for.

The importance of a win in this fixture cannot be understated, with a win Central can climb into the top five if other results go their way. With shouts at the beginning of the season for a league title push, Central have lost a bit of ground if that is still their aim.

However, the gap to current league leaders Avro Reserves is only five points, and a weekend where Central win and Avro lose, brings them right back into the hunt, and into a position where they can build some momentum and consistency for the remainder of the campaign.

First Meeting Between Two Sides this Season

This will be the first fixture between these two sides since they were both promoted to Division One last season. Both meetings last season were thrillers, with Central hitting six at Hindley and Hindley returning the favour later in the season, winning 5-2 at Central.

In contrary to last season, Hindley have struggled in Division One and are looking for their first win in eight league games. Hindley may feel they have caught a fixture with Central at the perfect time, with their opponents similarly out of form.

If we take last season's fixtures into account, there is a good chance for a cracker on Saturday. Both sides are struggling for consistency, so in a game where both sides need a win, it could turn out to be a great game of football.

Hindley Struggle for Points in Division One

Hindley Juniors are currently on the joint worst run of form in the league, alongside rock bottom Wilmslow Albion. Central’s upcoming opponents have picked up only nine points in their ten Division One games this campaign.

Unlike Central, Hindley have clearly struggled to adapt to their new league since gaining promotion last season and seek a victory in Division One to end their woes and spark a run of form that can help them climb the table.

The hosts on Saturday began the season well, picking up two wins from two to begin their campaign. Knocking off Bolton Lads and Girls Club with a 2-0 win, following that up with a convincing 4-1 home win over Bolton United, but have been winless since and seek three points against Central.

Goal Fest Incoming on Saturday?

Both Hindley and Central maintain poor defensive records in Division One, funnily enough Hindley have struggled particularly at home whilst Central have leaked goals especially away from home this season.

On the surface it sets up an exciting fixture in Division One this weekend and could provide a game with goals a plenty. A win for either team gives an opportunity for momentum, and a chance to gain consistency ahead of a busy end to the year.