Central face tough Avenue trip to open new season

Manchester Central take on a stern test to kick start their 2023/24 Division One campaign when they visit Avenue MFL on Saturday.

Central have enjoyed a generally successful pre-season which culminated with a thumping 12-2 win at Cavaliers last weekend, where all the new comings had a fruitful afternoon.

It was a great way for Central to round of their pre-season campaign, who have seemed to regain their goalscoring touch, something that boss Chris Tomkinson will be pleased to have back following an uncharacteristically lacklustre season in front of goal.

Meanwhile Central have also improved defensively during their preparations for the new season, conceding well below their goals conceded per game from last season, which in pre-season sat at just over a goal conceded a game.

Avenue however will provide a difficult opponent for Central on opening day. A solid fifth placed finish last season only saw them miss out on a promotion spot by two points to Avro Reserves, with this campaign hoping to be the one where they can go that one step further.

Central’s first opposition of the season didn’t have any standout area in the last campaign, who were rather solid across the board, both going forward and defensively.

In fact, Avenue secured identical records home and away in the 2022/23 season (W7 D2 L4), adding to the notion they were more consistent than anything last time around, whilst a solid home record will be something for Central to bear in mind on Saturday.

That coupled with the fact Central lost both fixtures against Avenue last season, with the same fixture last year the more resounding, where the hosts secured a 3-0 win, the upcoming fixture will provide an early chance at revenge for Central.

Carlton Norford and Conner Gladstone were threats for Avenue across the season last year, Norford who was the only individual to get into double digits(14), whilst Gladstone bagged eight times in 17 appearances. Both also scored against Central in the 3-0 win, meaning Central’s improved defence will have to maintain that notion to keep Avenue’s potent attack at bay.

Central meanwhile can take confidence into their first fixture of the campaign after an impressive pre-season. Five wins from seven matches will be a positive record for Tomkinson and his side to take into the competitive season.

Now whilst pre-season form can’t be taken too seriously ahead of competitive football, Central have prepared well for the new season, and their progress cannot be underestimated.

Tomkinson can be pleased with the fact his new additions have bedded in well at the club. Jurgen Sade has been a particular highlight in front of goal, whilst Ebubechi Ngerem, Dimitri Kemayou, Matthew Chiangjiek and Kelson Da Silva have all contributed to a more potent forward line ahead of this season.

Thi-Reece Lenihan and Scott Anderson have continued their impressive starts to life in a Central shirt, who have both proven to be astute additions to this Central side, and Tomkinson can hope his newly constructed team can kick on right from the off.

Both Avenue and Central will be looking for a quick start to the new season, with a lot to play for, it may prove to be an excellent contest to kick off the 23/24 campaign.

The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 14:00 on Saturday 12th August and is to be played at Heywood Sports Village. The match official for the fixture is Jack Churchill.