Central Hoping to Get Season Back on Track Against Govan & UoM

Govan and the University of Manchester host Manchester Central at the Armitage Centre this weekend, as the visitors look to make a statement against the league leaders following their Challenge Cup final heartbreak.

Govan and UoM have been in fine form since travelling to Seashell Trust in October, which saw them dismantle Central 4-2 to take their fifth win in as many games.

In their 15 games since, this weekend's opposition have surged to the top of the table, dropping just 10 points in the process with draws against Avenue FC and Boothstown and losses against Avro Reserves and Elton Vale.

It is clear to see that Govan and UoM offer a dangerous attacking threat as they average an impressive 3.05 goals scored per game, whilst Central average 2.28 goals per game.

Of their 58 goals thus far, a whopping 25 have been scored by just two players. Colin May boasts a total of 14 goals, whilst his teammate Sandro Mastrostefano has netted on 11 occasions and 17 other Govan and UoM names have been written on the scoresheet at least once so far this season.

Therefore, Central - who will be looking to get their season back on track following recent losses, including that in the Manchester FA Challenge Cup final - will face a stern test come Saturday afternoon.

Tomkinson must steer a tight ship to prevent this weekend's opposition from scoring, hoping to earn Whiting's fourth clean sheet of the campaign should his side have any hope at a result.

Whislt Central's attacking prowess has been boosted recently via the return of Fuad Kasali - who remains the league's joint-second top scorer despite his hiatus from Manchester Football League Division One - the table shows that Govan and UoM are equally strong in their defensive responsibilities.

Govan and UoM have conceded on just 22 occasions in 19 Division One games, keeping 5 clean sheets in the process. Despite this, Kasali and co have previously shown that they can threaten this weekend's hosts, scoring two goals at the last meeting.

With Govan and UoM six points clear of second place, could Central rock the apple cart and rediscover the early season form?