Danny Whiting wins Octobers player of the month award

October was a busy month for Manchester Central who played 5 games throughout, including 2 massive cup wins seeing them progress to the semi final of the Manchester FA Saturday Challenge Trophy. However, despite only taking 1 point from 9 available in the league, there was one standout performer throughout and it was Centrals man in-between the sticks.

Centrals first game of the month came on the first day of the month, and it was a 2-1 cup win at home to familiar opponents Avro Reserves. This was a quiet game for Whiting compared to most this month, but he still did his job when needed, including a great save after a slide tackle from just past the half halfway line nearly somehow creeped into the top corner.

In the second game of the month away at Bolton Borough, Whiting even got Central under way with an assist after his lump up field was tucked away by Kasali. However, Centrals keeper was called into action in the second half far more than he would have hoped, after a bizarre red card for Central just before half time left them with 10 men and a 2-0 lead. Despite a string of great saves, in the end a Premier League standard free kick and a late penalty proved too much for the shot stopper and the home side ran away 3-2 winners.

The third game of the month was arguably Whitings most busy, however a hat-full of wonder saves still wasn't enough to avoid defeat in a 4-2 loss against Govan and Uni of Manchester. He started the game with an outstanding double save after stretching to stop a freekick before getting up quickly and making himself big to ensure the rebound did not find the back of the net. Then, in the second half the keeper produced 2 of his saves of the season, the first of which a close range header which he somehow managed to get a hand to and tip wide of the post. Before then denying the Govs man from finding the top corner from outside the box with a stunning full stretch save.

Next up, it was the huge cup quarter final against Heywood St James. As usual, Centrals stopper made a few crucial saves throughout the match to ensure Heywood only scored 2, but it was the penalty shootout where he took his time to shine.

He was very unlucky with the first penalty he faced, getting a big hand to the ball but it just didn't manage to stay out. Whiting then saw the following 2 hit the back of the net and Heywood led 3-2 after 3 penalties each. But, Central then Scored and Heywoods next taker sent his penalty into the carpark. Next up, Abreu scores for Central, giving them the Advantage for the first time in the shootout. Meaning, if Heywood were to miss the next, their cup run is over. Whiting stepped to the left before leaping back to the right with a fantastic stop which saw Central reach the cup semi final and get one step closer to silverware.

Finally, the last game of the month was a 1-1 draw at home to Tintwistle Athletic. Despite being a game Central should have won, and Whitings most quiet of the month. He still made a big save late on. A Tintwistle freekick was heading for the bottom corner but Centrals number 1 tipped wide to make sure his team got back to getting points on the board.

All in all, it is a thoroughly deserved award for Whiting and we're sure we will see plenty more top class performances for the remainder of the season.