Catching up with the Gaffer about Saturday and the season so far.

Last week Central bounced back from their 5-3 defeat away at Avro with a 2-1 turnaround against Bolton United, who sat second in the league before kick-off. But, this Saturday is another big challenge for Central, as they travel to Harrison playing fields to face another side who got promoted from Division 2 last season. Last seasons two games between the two sides saw very contrasting results. The last time central made this trip, which was almost exactly a year to the day, they left with 6 goals scored and a clean sheet. However, just 8 weeks later, Hindley squared things up with a brilliant 5-2 win at Centrals old stomping ground. Therefore, I caught up with Central manager, Chris Tomkinson, to get some pre match thoughts on Saturday, as well as their opening 5 games.

The first thing that I aimed to find out was what has impressed Chris most about how Central have gone about their 5 first games of the season, and unsurprisingly, he had kind words to say about his side.

"The lads character and desire has been the most pleasing, bar the one game their attitude and commitment has been first class, and we on paper have had a tough start to the season against 5 good sides, we have been challenged in all games but the lads have come through them all brilliantly."

Next, I was curious as to how Chris and the management team will try and keep the team playing at this level for another 21 games, to try and give themselves a chance of winning the title or even just promotion.

"The lads have to realise what they have done so far and how they have played, and keep that same belief. Their ability is never in question, they need to keep that character and desire shown in the first 5 games and not let that drop."

Following questions about the season so far, I aimed to find out whether the gaffer saw it as a good thing, or a bad thing, that they are playing against Hindley on the back of 2 defeats and 7 goals conceded in those 2 games.

"Mix of both, they will be disappointed losing 2 on the bounce, they will want to end that and with us being top we have a bit of a target for any team facing us wanting to beat us. We have to be mindful of not being over confident and playing our game and hopefully we can get the 3 points."

Lastly, I wanted to know what Chris was expecting from the game, seems as last seasons two fixtures were such polar opposite results.

"Honestly don't know, they will be organised, solid and tough to break down, we will have to be right at it from minute 1, stick together and be ruthless at both ends of the pitch. Something we know this bunch of lads can be. Will be an interesting game for sure."

It seems the message throughout is to continue with the passion, desire and commitment that the lads have shown so far. And if they can do that tomorrow, and for the remaining 20 games, who knows what may happen at the end of the season.