Tomkinson's Thoughts on Tintwistle

Images From: Manchester Central Flikr, Credits: Rafaella Macintosh.

Manchester Central and Tintwistle Athletic played out a 1-1 draw at Seashell Trust on Saturday, earning the hosts their first league point in 42 days. We caught up with Central manager Chris Tomkinson for his thoughts on the game.

"The game against Tintwistle Athletic on Saturday was a very competitive game, which we knew it would be. The two sides are on relatively equal footing both in league position and on-pitch talent, so I am pleased with the performance from my lads today.

"Tintwistle are a very physical side, but are also technically able, so it was a challenge for sure. However, I think that we played a lot better football than what we have produced in recent fixtures."

Images From: Manchester Central Flikr, Credits: Rafaella Macintosh.

"We got into some excellent positions and looked to threaten their defence. On another day, I think we could have scored one or two, but that is down to elements of good defending by the opposition and a little luck with Ruben Abreu's shot hitting the post."

"The game plan that I set out for today focused on the lads to put in a more controlled and rounded performance, to work together as a fully functional team again. I think we managed to achieve this for large swathes of the game and therefore, the football was much better. I think how dominant and controlling we were is shown by the number of chances we had, even if they didn't hit the back of the net."

Images From: Manchester Central Flikr, Credits: Rafaella Macintosh.

"I'm happy that the team hit my brief with their performance and I think that every member of the squad played their part. The lads who started the game did well and probably did not deserve to go behind so easily, but the substitutions really changed the game. I thought that Claudio Costa was brilliant and I'm pleased to see him score again. Also, our latest addition, Alex Holmes, looked very promising in the minutes that he had."

"On another day, I think that we could have gone on and won the game, but at least it was nice to get our first point in over a month and hopefully, it will help us build towards returning to the form we had at the start of the season."

Images From: Manchester Central Flikr, Credits: Rafaella Macintosh.

"In the next couple of weeks, the games come thick and fast. We face last season's Division Two winners Bolton United and then travel to Hindley Juniors, before competing in the Manchester FA Challenge Cup. I think we have done well so far this season and we should be in the mix with a whole host of other teams, however, the results in the next few weeks could define Manchester Central's season in terms of promotion hopes and silverware!"

"We will just have to wait and see where the year takes us, but hopefully the six or seven injured players should be back in action soon which should only make us stronger."