Central continue search for win at East Manchester

Manchester Central are set to make their third trip of the season at East Manchester as both look for their first win of the campaign this weekend.

Division One fixtures are coming thick and fast as we head into matchday four of the season. Next up Central visit East Manchester at Wright Robinson Leisure, with both sides going head-to-head with identical records after three fixtures played.

Both haven’t endured ideal starts to their 2023/24 seasons. The hosts on Saturday picked up their first point of the campaign on the road at Bolton United after suffering consecutive defeats to Tintwistle Athletic and current table toppers Baguley Athletic.

Central meanwhile have been involved in three thrillers to kick off their season. They have however been on the wrong end of the scoreline on two occasions, more recently losing out at Old Altrinchamians.

Ruben Lawal opened the scoring for Central before the hosts surged into a 3-1 lead at the cusp of half-time. Jurgen Sade grabbed his first competitive goal of the season for the club to pull it back to 3-2, but Central couldn’t retrieve any points.

Chris Tomkinson’s men have struggled to sustain their apparent improved defensive record heading into the season, conceding at least three times in all three of their games so far, but they have re-found their scoring touch.

Central have found the net on a regular basis across their opening fixtures on average (2.3) showing instant improvements from their drop off last season in front of goal, meaning Tomkinson has both positives to take and improvements to make from their start to the campaign.

Dimitri Kemayou has enjoyed a strong start to life in a Central shirt, bagging three times in just two appearances before missing out last weekend. Tomkinson will hope the forward will be available for selection this weekend to help boost chances of a victory.

East Manchester have found issues at the opposite end of the pitch in contrast to Central, netting only twice so far which they will hope won’t be a recurring issue throughout the season.

This could mean a tight contest is on the cards between these two sides if their respective starts are anything to go by, whilst this fixture last season was anything but that.

A rejuvenated Central side out of the winter break dispatched East Manchester comfortably last season, however a much-changed side with a host of new players are still yet to pick up a win, which they will hope to secure on Saturday.

The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 15:00pm and is to be played at Wright Robinson Leisure on Saturday 2nd September.