Tomkinson says ‘Lad’s will be raring to go’ Ahead of Avenue Trip

Manchester Central boss Chris Tomkinson gave us his reaction to their 2-0 defeat to Bolton Lads & Girls Club whilst looking ahead to their meeting with Avenue this weekend.

Tomkinson echoed his disappointment in Central’s previous result and performance but is confident his side can get back to winning ways ahead of a tough away test at fourth placed side Avenue.

‘The whole performance was flat. We didn’t run or work hard enough especially in the first half like we have done in the last few weeks. I feel that first half cost us. We weren’t good enough going forward and the quality was lacking, but fair play to Bolton they defended well and were difficult to break down. It was a disappointing day.’

On whether it felt like one step forward two steps back, Tomkinson added ‘It did feel a little bit that way considering how dominant we have been recently. I know it can’t happen for you every game but the minimum you can do is run and work hard and we didn’t do that, hopefully we can put that right on Saturday.’

The fixture last weekend was the first meeting between the two sides, but Tomkinson shrugged off any suggestions that the unfamiliarity with their opponents was a problem for his side.

‘I don’t think so (that it was an issue), we know how we want to play, and it should be more than enough to pick up results. If two or three lads are having an off day like there were on Saturday, then you’ll be up against it. I’m sure the lads will be raring to go this weekend.’

He spoke on the difference between playing Avenue adding ‘It’s always handy to know the opposition but they know us too. It’s about getting the message across to the players on how we want to play.’

‘If we can do that, and the lads respond, then it will be good game, and we will stand every chance of picking up a result. The game before Christmas was extremely close during a time where we were bang out of form, so hopefully we can be on the right end this time.’

Ahead of facing Avenue, the Central boss wants a reaction from his side, and although he respects the level of competition in the league, he expects his side to head into the game with an improved mentality.

‘The lads need to come ready and switched on. They need to ensure that’s the case because otherwise we will find ourselves struggling again. I want us to get back to doing the basics that we have been doing well in the last weeks and as long as we can do that, there is no major issue, it’s just about reiterating what we know we can do.’

‘Saturday will be another tough game, but every game in this division is difficult as any side can beat anyone on their day. It’s important to see the lads do what we need them to do and ensure that the performance is back to what we know it can be, that it can give us something to build from. If we can do that the results will come.’

Central were unable to find their rhythm against Bolton last weekend, in which the loss snapped their three-game winning streak to start the year. The result leaves them ten points adrift of the promotion places ahead of this weekend, but Tomkinson was quick to dismiss that his side were out of contention.

‘You never know in football, it’s a big gap obviously. All we can do is keep winning, keep performing and aiming to finish as high as possible. Hopefully we can do well in the upcoming cup competition, to help build momentum and learn for next season. Let’s see what happens come May time, as you never know.’