A look back at Centrals opening month in Division One

As much as you can always want more in football, even when you win, Central probably couldn't expect too much more than what they got from their first 4 fixtures in Division One.

Winning their first 3 and losing the 4th in a hard fought battle up in Oldham. So lets have a little look at how each game panned out.

Chris Tomkinsons side started their new era, in a league, at their new home ground, The Seashell Trust. They were up against fellow promotion side Elton Vale. They started the new season the same way in which they finished the last, taking the lead after 5 minutes thanks to a brilliantly dispatched header from Centre half Aria Asqari. Then, 10 minutes later it was 2, debutant Noupoue won the ball back before finding the bottom corner from just inside the box. The halftime whistle was blown and Central headed back to the changing rooms with a 2 goal lead.

However, 10 minutes into the second half and Elton Vale were awarded a penalty due to a suspected hand ball, and a well taken penalty gave Elton Vale a route back into the game. But, with 10 minutes to go, Wiwoloku did what he does best, coming off the bench to restore Centrals 2 goal lead and wrap up the 3 points.

The second game of the season saw central take on last seasons worst performers in Division 1, Wilmslow Albion. However, in this fixture they looked like a side that had fight and were prepared to make sure things go much better over the next 9 months. One of last seasons star men for Central, Kasali, opened the scoring after 26 minutes with a great run and finish. Although, just 8 minutes later and it was another penalty which would rule out any chance of a Central clean sheet. Meaning, the sides went into the break on level-terms.

13 minutes into the second half and Central were ahead again, this time Damali Hall picked up the ball before driving past a couple of defenders and finding the back of the net.

Nevertheless, Wilmslow showed that they were prepared to keep fighting as they equalised for the second time, just 2 minutes after Central regained the lead. Therefore, Tomkinson decided to bring on the man who sealed the 3 points just a few days earlier, Wiwoloku. And again, he did exactly what the manager asked him to do and restored Centrals lead with a well taken finish in the 75th minute. Meaning, Central would finish the game as 3-2 winners.

Centrals third game inside 7 days was a home fixture against Bolton Borough, who finished just 1 point behind the Division 2 winners last season. The game was level at the break and chances had come at a premium for both sides. However, 15 minutes into the second half and Central were awarded a free kick on the right hand side of Boltons penalty area. Hemmings and Da Silva both stood over but it was Da Silva who stepped up and found the top corner with a strike that even the worlds best keeper would struggle to stop. However, 10 minutes later and Taiwo was dispossessed deep inside his own half, which led to Boltons striker putting them on level terms with 20 minutes to go. But, with the clock ticking down, Tomkinson knew there was one man on the bench who is always capable of a goal when its needed. And, yet again, Wiwoloku found the back of the net to wrap up the 3 points with just 6 minutes to go.

Centrals fourth and final game of the month was against familiar opponents Avro Reserves. Last season, both games were thrilling and well contested games of football. One of which, on the final day of the season, where a final minute winner from Kasali sent Central to Division One, and their most recent encounter was no different.

Avro opened the scoring after 11 minutes when a well taken set piece was headed into the bottom corner from just outside the 6 yard box. However, with 30 minutes on the clock Lawal levelled the score for Central. Whiting lumped a kick up the pitch and it found its way into the opposing penalty area where Kasali battled well and played the ball across the 6 yard box for a tap in.

8 minutes into the second half and Central took the lead, Kasali latched onto a header from Martin behind the Avro defence, before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. But, 20 minutes later it was a nightmare 2 minutes for Central, who conceded 2 in that time and now found themselves behind. The first of which was another header from just inside the 6 yard box and the second a saved shot which fell to the feet of an Avro man, who found the bottom corner well. Nevertheless, Central bounced back again 2 minutes later, as Kasali volleyed in a cross from just inside the box to level things up with just 12 minutes to go. The game fell apart for Central in the final 5 minutes, on the 86th minute an Avro penalty was awarded for a handball and the proceeding events saw Robertson sent off for Central. The penalty had to be scored and it was taken well from the Avro man. Then, 2 minutes into injury time Avro wrapped up the game thanks to a very well taken chip over Whiting from inside the box.

A great start for Chris Tomkinson and his side, but, they'll all know that the season has only just started. Therefore, they must continue to perform at this level every single week, if they want to be in that race for promotion.