Tomkinson: Players must “show they can perform” ahead of new season

Central boss Chris Tomkinson gave his reaction to the win against Boothstown, as well as looking ahead to Altrincham Hale and focusing on next season when we caught up with him ahead of the upcoming fixture.

Central were able to end their winless run with a 2-0 home win over Boothstown last weekend, courtesy of goals either side of half-time from Claudio Costa and Elvis Amoakwa.

Tomkinson saw his side show glimpses of what they can be when they are completely locked in and focused on each fixture, which has been lacking on too many occasions this season.

A more resolute and united performance gave Central their first win at Seashell’s Trust since a 3-2 triumph over Hindley Juniors, and the Central manager was pleased that his team focused on the simple things in the win.

“It was nice to finally get a win. The performance was good, we went back to basics and the lads did really well, controlling the game for the most part. With an eye on next season, now we need to carry on with this level of performance.”

“It makes the lads realise what we can do when they listen and apply themselves correctly, also for us as coaches too, it all worked out well last week. The lad’s need to take confidence from what we did last week. It was much more of a Central performance, and we must run with it now.”

Central midfielder Amoakwa returned for his second spell at the club but was reintroduced in a tough day for Central at Govan and Uni of Manchester. The powerhouse did however show signs of the quality he could bring.

The midfielder grabbed his first goal since his return to the club against Boothstown, curling an effort towards the far corner that took a slight deflection that saw the ball evade the keeper.

Tomkinson was quick to list the qualities that he will bring to his side, particularly the intangible traits he can bring off the pitch.

“He adds lots of character, experience and can help the lads and drive them on too. He’s a lad that adds a lot to the side.”

Meanwhile Central’s recent win was their penultimate league fixture to be played at Seashell Trust this campaign, meaning four of their last five fixtures in Division One are to be played away from home.

Tomkinson’s side have struggled for form away from home, and the manager relayed the importance of these away fixtures, especially with regards to next season.

“It will be interesting to see now if we have the capability to go away and pick up results. That will be a really good indicator for us going into next season as we haven’t been anywhere near good enough away this season.”

There’s no question that away form has been one of Central’s achilles heel’s this campaign, but a good record to end the season starting on Saturday could see some newfound belief that the club can produce a more successful league season next year.

The fixture to be played this weekend was initially scheduled to take place when the season restarted in January, but some last-minute changes saw the match changed so that Central played at home.

Central do hold a good home record this season, and did kick start the year with a 2-0 win over Altrincham Hale. And although Tomkinson believes the first meeting between the sides could give them a mental edge, he recognises the threat that their upcoming opponents pose.

"We will take confidence for sure, but they’re a good side who will be right up for it. It will be a very close game, and hopefully we can come out with the win if we play how we can.”

“We haven’t been good enough in a lot of games defensively. The last game we did well. Adam (Gunel) came in and did a great job, a very good addition, as did Josh (Grant) and Ben (Langley) the week before.”

“The lad’s need to take pride in keeping the ball out of the net and last week it seemed like they did, so hopefully we can carry on that way.”

Despite there still being games to be played, Tomkinson did admit that more of the focus is now on the 2023/24 campaign after a difficult period in the league saw them lose a significant amount of ground to those in the promotion hunt.

“We are building for next season, without a doubt to see if the lads we have can take on what we want them to do and show they can perform how we want them to going into next season.”

“If they can do that, having a cup run I’m sure will run alongside that, we’d obviously love another cup run so it is in our mind for sure.”

“There have been times this season where we’ve maybe let the lads get away with poor attitudes in performances. That has to change.”

“That starts with us creating more of a atmosphere where lads take accountability for their performances, others and their attitudes. We are sure we can do that and when that happens it will create a more consistent side. That is the plan going into next season.”