Central Look to Resume Winning Ways Against Avenue

Central visit 4th-placed Avenue on Saturday, as Chris Tomkinson's side look to rediscover the positive run of form found in the New Year. However, with this weekend's opposition unbeaten since mid-November, it'll be no easy task.

Central travel to North Manchester this weekend to face Avenue FC - a side midway through their promotion push following a strong run of form that has seen them take 16 of 18 possible points since the 19th of November.

During these last six games, which includes their 2-1 victory over Central at Seashell Trust, the home side have scored 17 goals whilst conceding just 7 in the process. This is a stark contrast to their form in the opening half of the season, where Avenue lost 5 and drew 2 of their first 12 matches as they netted just 20 goals compared to the 29 scored against them.

This uptick in form is down to no one player, with Liam Bennion, James Merrick and Carlton Norford all tied for top goalscorer with 6 league goals, whilst Maison Dinsdale trails just one goal behind. Furthermore, Avenue have seen 11 other places write their name on the scoresheet in 2022/23.

Therefore, Central face a tough task at Heywood Sports Village on Saturday afternoon as they must halt their opposition's attacking threats to stop all over the park. However, it is crucial for Tomkinson's hopes that his side is able to take all three points, ensuring that the 2-0 loss against Bolton Lads and Girls Club is merely a blip in their recent record.

Prior to the Christmas break, Central were winless for 6 games. However, following the New Year - and Fuad Kasali's reintroduction to the side - the Whites had won three on the bounce. This was halted last weekend.

Tomkinson is adamant that heads will not drop and that, as per usual, his side will play on the front foot, looking to take charge of games - much as they did during the 6-0 win over East Manchester FC where the front two of Kasali and Raposo were fully firing.