Season wrapped up for Central in 2022/23

A season full of ups and downs and trials and tribulations has come to an end for Central as we look at the journey the club went through in 2022/23.

It was truly a season of learning and growth for Manchester Central in 2022/23, with inconsistencies hampering their progress for the duration. Defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion just a few of the issues boss Chris Tomkinson faced.

Following a dramatic and an ultimately delightful Division Two campaign in 2021/22 after clinching promotion on the final day, there were high hopes Central could go on to repeat that fact in the league above.

Fast starts, goalless runs and tough battles were all crammed into an eventful season, whilst an entertaining cup run that culminated at Hyde United’s Ewan Fields Stadium and the introduction of some fresh faces made up for some special moments.

Cup Fever

It just wouldn’t have been a typical Central season without a cup run to go with it. Former winners of the Murray Trophy and the Terry Wood Cup, Central found another opportunity to add to that total. This time in the Manchester Challenge Trophy, Central took on and got past some stern opposition.

First past familiar foes Avro Reserves, who they had already gone toe to toe with in Division One action a month earlier, suffering a 5-3 defeat in a thriller. This time at Seashell Trust, Central were able to edge it to advance to the Quarter-Finals.

Next up in late October, Central welcomed Premier Division side Heywood St James to Seashell Trust where both teams put on a cup classic. Ruben Abreu and Fuad Kasali scored in a game where both sides led, but a 2-2 draw sent the tie to penalties where Daniel Whiting stepped up in the Central goal to save the decisive spot kick, and book Central’s place in the Semi-Final.

A commanding performance followed at Division One outfit Heyside, where Central hit five past another tough test to comfortably reach the final of the Manchester Challenge Trophy.

The build-up of energy and atmosphere at Ewan Fields Stadium set the stage for an enticing final with Chadderton Reserves, their third consecutive Premier Division opponent in the competition, putting on show just how impressive Central had been in route to the final.

The fixture certainly lived up to the anticipation. A four-goal thriller followed that included three penalties, and a particular highlight for Central and their support on the day, when Kasali had rifled in a spectacular equaliser to send the game to spot kicks.

Unfortunately for Central it wasn’t to be this time, losing out in the shootout, but a hugely impressive route cannot be underestimated, and can certainly be remembered as a positive from this season.

Positives to take from difficult season

Despite a successful cup campaign, Central’s Division One form left much to be desired with constant inconsistency and lack of performance. However, throughout there were brief moments and positives that Tomkinson insisted can be taken into the new season.

Central began their season in fine form, winning four of the opening five games, kickstarting it with a 3-1 win over eventual runners up, Elton Vale. It left an optimistic feeling around the club that they could go on to challenge for at the very least promotion, but Central struggled to maintain that level following an inconsistent period heading into winter.

The return from the winter break felt like a crucial one for Central to get back on track, winless in seven prior to the interval, a win was needed. A 2-0 triumph was exactly what the doctor ordered for Tomkinson and his side; a Junior Silva double was enough to snap the run.

Central did go on a brief run of three consecutive wins to begin the calendar year but were once again unable to keep the momentum they built, struggling to climb up the table, but Central finished strongly and in style.

Wins at Tintwistle Athletic and Boothstown left the club on a positive note, who had spent large parts of the latter end of the campaign probing and testing ahead of next season.

With more focus on performance and effort levels, Tomkinson did get a rise out of his players in the final two fixtures, particularly the fresh faces. A 5-2 win at Tintwistle saw Thi-Reece Lenihan shine with two special strikes, whilst the 2-0 win at Boothstown on the final day saw a bunch of new names.

Whilst Central would have wished for more, there were positives to take from a difficult campaign. Moments and spells unfortunately weren’t enough to see Central enjoy a more successful season, but it certainly highlighted the potential that this squad has and if put together, a fresh slate could see this team thrive.

Quality Individuals shone for Central

Despite not clicking collectively, Central had their performers this season, and moments where individuals showed their quality. Kaine Martin stepped up in a turbulent period in the season, scoring five of his seven goals in a five-game stretch both prior and after the winter break.

Key goals like the winner against Hindley Juniors put on display his progress, whilst his knack for getting into the box from midfield was showing drastic improvement, cementing his place as one of the first on the team sheet.

Captain Dan Dolling was ever-present for his side in 2022/23, making the most appearances for the club with 28. Dolling didn’t just show up however, he was arguably the most consistent performer before his ankle injury late in the campaign, who constantly tried to rile up his teammates.

His leadership was essential both on and off the pitch and Dolling also chipped in with a few goals including one from the spot in the Manchester Challenge Cup final, whilst he also showed a rare sight of creativity from right back through the campaign.

Instant impact comes to mind when talking about Lenihan who took his chance at the back end of the season following his introduction. The midfielder sprinkled some class on the pitch, netting three times in just four appearances.

His brace at Tintwistle was when Lenihan truly burst onto the scene in a Central strip, striking two scorching efforts from range. He didn’t stop there however, helping himself to another beauty at Boothstown with an audacious lob.

Martin, Dolling and Lenihan all left their mark on the season in different moments and highlighted the quality Central do have at their disposal.

A more robust, consistent, and competitive Central side can shoot them up the Division One standings next season and take them one step closer to reaching the topflight of the Manchester Football League.