Central look for immediate response against East Manchester

East Manchester pose Manchester Central’s next test in Division One when they visit Central’s new stomping ground on Saturday.

Central are set to host their first league fixture at the Manchester Openshaw College Campus this weekend after they welcomed Bolton United to Seashell Trust last time out in what was the final game Central used the academy as their home turf.

It comes off the back of a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Bolton United in which Central lost their 2-1 lead after initially going behind in the opening ten minutes. Thi-Reece Lenihan and Sharif Jallow aided the turnaround for Chris Tomkinson’s side but a chaotic second half saw Bolton score three unanswered strikes.

East Manchester meanwhile remain bottom of Division One following their 3-1 loss at Bolton Lads & Girls Club. Confidence Igbinoba and a brace from top scorer Keane Mills was enough to see Bolton over the line, despite a consolation effort from Jack Nuttall.

It was a defeat that has compounded East Manchester’s efforts so far this season. Their fifth successive league defeat is part of a run that has seen them drop to dead last in the standings, level on points with Chadderton Cott.

Both Central and East Manchester now face each other for the final time in league competition this season following their earlier meeting this season, whilst one of the two sides will be eyeing some sweet revenge.

East Manchester’s 3-2 win over Central in just the fourth matchday of the campaign remains their only triumph in 23/24, but it was one that came at the end of August which will be a record Central’s opponents will be desperate to adjust on Saturday.

Central had thought they had turned it around at Wright Robinson when Lenihan and Daniel Dolling’s spot kick had flipped the scores to a 2-1 lead for the visitors before a rapid three-minute burst saw the hosts secure the points.

The result meanwhile meant East Manchester have now won two of their last three meetings with Central, whilst their 3-2 win away from home last season will inspire confidence in a side who desperately needs it.

Central however will look to capitalise on East Manchester’s poor form on the road this campaign, having just collected one point which came in a 1-1 draw at Bolton United in August.

Tomkinson’s men have also rediscovered their typical proficiency in front of goal this season, particularly at home, where they are already just seven shy of their tally from 22/23 (25), a record which they will look to edge closer to against a side who have been leaky defensively away from home.

Despite this Central will be desperate to uncover consistency in a season which has been scarce of it so far. They have only managed to secure consecutive wins once this campaign but are yet to do so in Division One action.

Their impressive 2-1 victory over promotion hopefuls Bolton Borough a few weeks back looked to be a catalyst for a run of form, but disappointment last weekend saw Central take two steps back once more.

However, another weekend of action provides opportunity for Tomkinson’s side to improve and impress, especially if they are to end the calendar year on a high with some challenging tests coming up.

The fixture at the weekend will be a good chance to provide some belief ahead a final three games that will see Central come up against three of the top five in Division One currently, with two away at Altrincham Hale and Stockport Georgians.

With two sides going head-to-head on Saturday, both who need results and consistency, it sets up an intriguing encounter. It meanwhile will be a game that will not lack intensity or fire, with both teams having gotten so used to seeing each other's crest on the other side of the pitch.

Match Details

The fixture is set to kick off at 12:30pm at the Manchester College Openshaw Campus on Saturday 25th November.