Scoring Central face stern Stockport test

Manchester Central host Stockport Georgians in their second consecutive home fixture with a win still in sight in Division One.

Chris Tomkinson saw his side come close yet again to a first three points of the season last weekend when Central found themselves 3-2 up with under 10 minutes to go against Bolton Lads & Girls Club before a late equaliser stopped them in their tracks.

In what was their second 3-3 scoreline of the season with both coming at Seashell Trust, a topsy turvy encounter saw the game swing in both directions where both sides had a lead but lost it.

Thi-Reece Lenihan opened the scoring inside ten minutes with his third of the season before the visitors drew level minutes before the half-time whistle. An enthralling start to the second period saw Bolton go ahead before Dan Dolling both equalised and put his side in front.

Stockport meanwhile enjoyed a more comfortable afternoon, smashing 12 past Hindley Juniors to return to winning ways last weekend. A second defeat to league leaders Baguley Athletic the game week prior meant Stockport went six points adrift of top spot.

The second placed side have had a good start to life in Division One, securing 12 points from a possible 18, being one of four sides to have played six fixtures so far.

Unfortunately for Stockport however, their two defeats have come against the only side above them meaning they already won’t be able to directly impact Baguley’s lead at the top after 6-2 and 5-2 defeats, whilst Altrincham Hale and Old Altrinchamians remain perfect having played three games less below them.

Stockport’s recent result has surged them to the top of the scoring charts (24) alongside Baguley, who seem to be the best performing sides so far this campaign, but Altrincham can’t be ignored having played just three fixtures, winning all of them whilst scoring 18 times.

They might do well to rely on their scoring record on Saturday, facing a team who have struggled to keep the ball out of their own net, although it could promise to set up a highly entertaining fixture.

Stockport do also have strong away form to rely on, winning three of their four trips whilst scoring 20 times, and will need to improve on that in the coming weeks with four of their next five fixtures coming away from home, although they have showed defensive weakness on the road.

Central may sense an opportunity for more goals, but the major focus for Tomkinson must be defensive solidarity as his side let in another three goals at the weekend.

This Central side have been ruthless in front of goal, ranking fourth in the league for goals scored (12), but have the second worst defensive record (18) signalling desperate need for improvement if they wish to join the winning column this weekend.

It will be yet another stern contest for Central. Stockport will be the fourth side who sit in the top half they have played in their first six fixtures whilst also being the second of three consecutive fixtures at home which will encourage Tomkinson, with Central’s only points coming at Seashell Trust.

Midfield starlet Lenihan has carried his late season form from last season into this one, netting his latest of three so far against Bolton last time out.

His last six competitive outings for Central have seen the midfielder score five in six, proving to be an astute addition to this squad. Meanwhile captain Dolling has had a terrific start to the season, highlighting his performances with a brace at the weekend.

He has led from the front for Central and will look to lead his teammates to a first victory of the campaign on Saturday afternoon, whether it be in front of goal once again or not.

Central will look to avoid a repeat of the last competitive fixture between these two sides, where Stockport returned the favour from earlier in the 2018/19 season beating Central by two goals to nil.

The referee for this one will be Thomas Fox and is scheduled to be played at Seashell Trust on Saturday 16 September at 14:00pm.