5 Things you Need to Know when Central visit Govan

Manchester Central face a stern test in their return to Division One action as they make the trip to league leaders Govan & Uni of Manchester on Saturday.

Central suffered a heart-breaking defeat on penalties in the final of the Manchester Challenge Trophy to Chadderton Reserves on Friday night in a game which saw an enthralling 90 minutes of action.

After taking an early lead Central came back from behind late in the second half to send the game to penalties but unfortunately lost out in the shootout.

They will now turn their attention back to league football when they visit Govan on Saturday, who last time out picked up a solid 3-1 victory at East Manchester to strengthen their lead at the top of the table.

Here are five things you must know ahead of the fixture.

Central must move on quickly from Cup Final defeat

Despite defeat, many would argue Central were the better side in the final and missed key chances that could have won them the game in the 90 minutes, however Central must take the positives and refocus on the rest of the season.

Central put in a performance that had evaded them for some time now, having lost their previous three in Division One. The display was more like the Central we are used to, high energy football with quality, and they were unfortunate to go into the interval level.

However, the final is in the past now, and Central must look ahead to finishing the season strong. With the prospect of another cup run in the Murray Trophy, and still plenty of football to be played in Division One, Central can use the positives they saw in the cup final and use them as something to work from, despite defeat.

Winless in Last Four in all competitions

Although positive, Central’s defeat in the final meant they are now winless in their last four and will not be encouraged by their next fixture against the league leaders in Division One.

Central rather uncharacteristically have struggled in front of goal as of late, only scoring once from open play in their last four games, whilst before the final, had not scored in their previous three league fixtures.

Having been so ruthless in front of goal for much of the campaign, scoring results like a 5-1 win over Heyside in the Challenge Trophy Semi-Final as well as a 6-0 win at East Manchester. However, Central have been unable to rediscover that clinical edge and will need to click into gear if they are to have any success against Govan at the weekend.

League leaders back in form after minor blip

Table toppers Govan certainly merit their place in the standings so far in this Division One campaign, currently holding a six-point lead over Elton Vale, albeit having played an extra game. However, a minor blip in form following a draw to Boothstown as well as a critical 3-2 defeat to Elton Vale saw them drop points for the first time since November.

However, Govan have got back to their typical form that we’ve seen from them this season, picking up consecutive wins over Altrincham Hale, Bolton Borough and East Manchester in their last three to strengthen their position at the top, something that will certainly not encourage Central when they meet on Saturday.

Govan boast outstanding defensive record

A lot can be said about Govan’s forward line this season, having scored the second most goals in Division One, however it’s their defensive record that has separated them from the rest so far.

The league leaders simply have a superb record when it comes to letting goals in, having only conceded 22 times in 19 games this season, the next best is Bolton Borough, who have let in 31.

Central will be pleased that they managed to get over their recent goal drought in the Challenge Trophy final, having failed to score in their previous three games beforehand, but will face a backline that has been rock solid this campaign and will have to be at their sparkling best going forward if they wish to take an impressive three points away from this weekend.

Central winless in last two away, Govan with one win in last three at home

Although there are many aspects in the build-up to the game that make it a fascinating contest, both sides’ respective recent form home and away bring up a lot of questions as far as what game we are going to see.

Govan have had most of their success away from home this season, having won all their nine trips so far, and although their home record has not been quite on par, it has helped retain their position at the top of the table. However, they have been slightly inconsistent at home as of late, winning only one of their last three.

Central meanwhile have notoriously struggled this season away from home, only winning two of their seven trips whilst winning only one of their last three.

Govan will look to complete the double over Central following their 4-2 win earlier on in the campaign, whilst Central will look to get back on track in league action, having not won since their 6-0 thrashing of East Manchester.