Central look to build against inform Old Altrinchamians

Manchester Central look to continue their newfound form in a huge test against an invincible Old Altrinchamians side in Division One.

Premier Division side Manchester Gregorians were the latest side to visit Seashell Trust in the first round of the Manchester Challenge Trophy. Central impressively came from behind to defeat Gregorians 2-1 after a goalless first half.

Just seven minutes after the interval the visitors went ahead, though it took Central just ten minutes to hit back. Dimitri Kemayou came off the bench to score his first goal since the 3-3 draw with Tintwistle Athletic in August, lofting it over the keeper to equalise.

The forward didn’t stop there however, eight minutes from time Kemayou netted his fifth of the season that saw Central come from behind to win a game for the first time this campaign.

Old Altrinchamians will be the fifth consecutive side to visit Seashell Trust. The third placed side have had the perfect start to life in Division One, winning six from their opening six games, keeping them well in touch with Baguley Athletic and Stockport Georgians above them.

Altrinchamians impressively dispatched Bolton Borough at Eddie Davies Academy last weekend. Manuel Diop Parra’s brace helped the away side well on their way to a sixth consecutive win whilst Louis Brown and Lee Hendley added to the scoreline.

Central’s opponents at the weekend maintained their excellent start in Division One this season last time out. An emphatic win meant they remained one of two sides to hold an unbeaten record alongside Tintwistle.

Stockport’s win last weekend meant they remained level with Baguley and three points clear of Altinchamians but the latter have three games in hand over Stockport and two over Baguley, putting them in an excellent position in what looks to be a three-horse race for the title.

Much of their impressive start can be contributed to their stellar defensive record. Just five goals conceded has only been matched by Tintwistle so far, whilst their win at Bolton was just their second trip of the season.

Their first was on matchday one where three late goals from Patrick Ettore, David Ashmore and Dave Drinkwater secured a 4-1 win at Bolton United. They do come up against a side however who have lost just once in their last four at home.

Diop Parra meanwhile will be the one to watch for Chris Tomkinson and his men. The forward has scored all four of his goals this season in the last two, making him a clear danger man for a defence who have shored up in the last two outings.

Tomkinson may have found the right formula defensively for his side this season. Both availability and performance levels have allowed the Central gaffer to pick the same backline consecutively.

Thomas Skingsley, Diogo Spinola, Jake Gordon and Dan Dolling have only conceded twice in their last two collectively. Such consistency defensively could only provide more security and confidence to the whole side who can start to develop a trust with those protecting their goal.

The upcoming meeting however may provide goals if anything. Both sides come into the fixture in a hot streak of goalscoring form, Altrinchamians have found the net nine times in their last two whilst Central have on seven occasions.

It certainly sets up an interesting contest on Saturday afternoon, wins for both can be deemed necessary with regards to both respective situations in Division One.

Central will feel a win is required to continue their momentum building after securing consecutive wins for the first time this season, whilst more ground cannot be lost after their difficult start.

The visitors meanwhile do have more room for error but will insist their perfect run must go on if they wish to capitalise on the front two sides above them in the standings. A victory at the weekend could see them leapfrog Stockport who don’t play for over two weeks when they visit Altrincham on October 21st.

A win for Central won’t see them make much progress in terms of league position. Ninth would be the ceiling by the end of the weekend’s round of action depending on Bolton United’s result at Hindley Juniors.

The game is set to kick off at 15:00pm at Seashell Trust on Saturday 7th October. The referee is Christopher Graham.