A Weekend Round-Up in Division One

Following an excellent 2-1 triumph over a tough Bolton United side on Saturday, Manchester Central find themselves top of Division One, after winning four out of their opening five league games.

The game on Saturday was as expected a tight encounter, and a match that would only be decided by the slenderest of margins. It was no surprise that star man Fuad Kasali came up big for Chris Tomkinson’s side, scoring both goals as Central came from behind to pick up all three points.

Now that teams have managed to settle into the season, let's take a look at all the action that went on over the weekend, and how certain results may have had an impact on Central in the coming weeks.

As Bolton United dropped down to 6th in the standings, Altrincham Hale and Bolton Borough climbed up the table to occupy second and third, following their respective 5-3 and 3-0 victories.

Bolton Lads and Girls club continued their strong start to the season on Saturday, picking up a solid 2-1 victory away from home at Boothstown. That result leaves them in fourth, five points adrift of Central, albeit with a game in hand.

Tintwistle Athletic flexed their muscles in their weekend fixture, smashing five past a helpless Avenue side who sit second from bottom. Tintwistle round off the top five as they look to close the gap to the top having only played three games so far.

Central’s next opponents Hindley Juniors suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Govan and Uni of Manchester, which may prove to be helpful in Central’s pursuit for consecutive victories.

A notable victory this weekend was a 4-0 thrashing at Wilmslow Albion, albeit coming at the hands of the away side, Avro, who continue to impress following their victory over Central last weekend.

This gives Avro consecutive victories following two consecutive defeats to open the season, and they will look to climb from eighth in the next matchday when they host Boothstown. As for Wilmslow Albion, they sit just below Avro in ninth, and will look to turnaround their poor start to the season when they host Avenue.

All in all, Central look comfortable with a three-point cushion at the top of the standings, however, there are threats to be wary of, particularly Altrincham Hale and Bolton Borough, who are breathing down their neck.

Bolton United must not be forgotten about either despite their recent defeat and will look to get back on track at home to Elton Vale, and Avro are a team on the up in Division One and despite their indifferent start, are the only side to subdue Central so far.

There is certainly a long way to go in this season, but Central will be encouraged by the start they have had to the campaign and if momentum can be gathered within the coming weeks there is no reason why they cannot remain at the top of Division One.

Chris Tomkinson will certainly be wary of other sides in the league who will pose a threat, and there are many challenges and tests to come for his side. He will certainly be focused on the upcoming test of a difficult trip to Hindley in just under a week’s time.