Central in mid-week action as they host Hollinwood

With just three games left in Division Two of the Manchester Football League, Manchester Central find themselves with a mountain to climb if they wish to get into the promotion places come the end of the season.

Central suffered a crushing defeat to league leaders Bolton United on Tuesday, giving away a two-goal lead in an impressive showing. Rory Robertson and top scorer Fuhad Kasali gave the hosts an early lead, only to head into the interval level.

In another home fixture, Central welcome struggling side Hollinwood, who last time out were knocked out in Round One of the Murray Trophy by Division One side Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

It is their first piece of league action in two weeks, where they were comprehensively beat by AFC Monton. If it’s anything to go by, Central may be inclined to feel confident for this one, considering that they were able to beat AFC Monton a week later quite comfortably.

Every game now must be considered a six pointer for Central, and they will want results to desperately go their way for the remainder of the season. The team they are chasing, AFC Monton, currently sit four points clear with three games in hand.

The odds seem heavily against Central, but if there is one thing that we have learnt these past few weeks, is that this team has quality and the assets necessary to cause any team problems. They may be heading into this match as favourites, but the team must remain focused if they want any chance of promotion to Division One.

Fuhad Kasali is certainly the man in form for Central, having scored four goals in his last two games, and the overall top scorer this season, scoring 23 goals in as many matches. Whilst Daniel Whiting is certainly enjoying a purple patch in between the sticks, securing the man of the match award against Bolton United, which is a testament to his performance having conceded three.

Hollinwood meanwhile are still searching for their first win in the new year, having only picked up one point from an available 24 in that period. Whilst Central will want to pick their heads up and get back in the winning column following the disappointing result last time out.

The visitors don’t come without threats however, with their top scorer Nathan Bourne racking up an impressive 22 goals in as many games, indicating that Central will have to be sharp on their toes in order to come away with all three points.