Central Score First Point of 2023/24

The Outcasts scored their first point of the new season as a return to Seashell Trust saw a six-goal thriller.

Despite a positive start, Tintwistle Athletic took an early lead as their number 10 capatlised off of a defensive mishap to score his first goal of the season. Finding the ball bobbling towards him from the edge of the box, Aidan Woolleson fired a shot high over a diving Aaron Stockton.

However, it wouldn't take Central long to strike back. After Dan Dolling was taken down just outside the opposition's area, the home side were awarded a free kick. Dimitri Kemayou would take, whipping the ball around the wall to bristle the netting of the top right corner before being engulfed by his teammates.

Dmitri doubles-up on home debut

Central's new striker would bag a brace just seven minutes later. Centre-back Jake Gordon's beautifully placed long ball broke the Tintwistle line, bouncing into the path of Kemayou. The number nine hit the ball in the air, chipping the 'keeper to put his side ahead.

Before the break, there was one final bit of drama as the visitors were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute following a controversial tackle by Lamin Jammeh. Fortunately for the home side, Aaron Stockton was able to prevent Jonathon Hardy's effort with a stop at the bottom-left corner.

After the interval, Tintwistle pushed for an equaliser, coming close on a number of occasions. However, it would be time for Hardy's revenge, as his long-range strike hit the underside of the bar for his side's second.

Central got Jammy as Jameh 'beat the buzzer'.

Athletic did not relent, taking the lead through Tom Beswick in the 71st minute. Hardy broke through the defensive line following a throw-in, forwarding the ball through a scattered Central defence to find the number sixteen just inside of the box, who converted his low-driven shot.

As time ticked on Central became ever more desperate, but did not give in. Finally, following an onslaught of attacking opportunities, Jammeh drew the Whites level. With just seconds to spare, the full-back ran onto a through ball, dinking the ball over the outstretched goalkeeper for Manchester Central's first point of the 2023/24 season.