Match Preview: Manchester Central v Bolton United

Chris Tomkinson’s side travel to Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath to face top-of-the-league Bolton United on Tuesday evening.

Central were unlucky to lose to their opposition in the reverse fixture, falling to a 4-2 defeat in August in what was a tough start to the season for the black and white side. However, Central come into this game in fine form, having won four of their last five fixtures, scoring 23 goals in the process.

Bolton will line up with confidence, sitting 15 points clear at the top of the table with 57 points after 24 games – four more than Central – and 16 points clear of third-placed Leigh Genesis, the only other side to have played 24 matches.

Central’s opposition are in similarly fine form, having won all of their last 5 games, scoring 25 goals. However, they have been unable to keep a clean sheet in 15 games since their 2-0 win over Leigh Genesis in January, offering Tomkinson’s men a glimmer of hope if they can outscore the league-leaders.

Central will be hoping to increase Bolton’s tally of just eight points dropped at away fixtures as they look to capitalise on their last five league fixtures and surge up the table into the promotion places, whilst Bolton have all but wrapped up the title with just one other fixture left to play.

Tomkinon will be picking from a strong roster of 20 available people, with only Paul Shalobi and Denis Cheben ruled out due to long-term injuries, whilst Kieran Taylor is doubtful after picking up a knock against AFC Monton.

Chris Tomkinson during half-time vs AFC Monton

Central will be looking to build on a strong performance on the weekend, as they beat Monton 5-2 in possibly their best display of the season so far, with Tomkinson quoted saying that “the weekend’s result and performance was brilliant, I couldn’t ask for a better response to the poor showing in the second fixture against Astley and Tyldesley the weekend before.”

Furthermore, Tomkinson stated that “the lads have set the bar on their performance standards now and have a huge game against a good side on Tuesday night. But only one team will collect all three points, we just have to make sure that we can replicate Sunday’s performance to have the best possible chance of taking the points home.”

“I’m really looking forward to the game against Bolton United, I relish the challenge and see it as an opportunity to show the league-leaders how much we have improved and come together as a team since the start of the season. Hopefully we can take something from them and show our promotion rivals that we mean business.”

Bolton United pose a significant attacking threat as the league’s second highest scorers with 92 goals for. This is largely down to the league’s top scorer, Nadir Patel, who has scored a staggering 45 goals in just 21 league games. However, Patel is not their only potent goal-scorer, with Amin Munshi and Sakeel Abdulah currently the competition’s 14th and 18th top scorers, with 13 and 10 goals apiece.

Therefore, nullifying Bolton’s attacking line will be key for Central, with the Tomkinson’s preferred 5-2-3 formation not only offering a opportunities going forwards, with attacking wing-backs and a midfield capable at progressing the ball; but also contributes to the side’s defensive solidity – especially with Daniel Whiting in fine form between the sticks - as just 5 of the leagues sides have conceded fewer goals.

With Central on equal points as 7th-placed Avro, and just 5 points behind 4th-placed Bolton Borough, Tomkinson’s side will certainly be looking to impress upon their opposition in this pivotal game to continue their fight for promotion in the season run-in.