KAINE Martin scored four as Manchester Central defeated Manchester League Division One rivals Chapel Town at Ten Acres Lane on Saturday.
Central defeated Chapel Town 6-1 in the one-sided affair as the home side earned revenge after losing 5-0 in the first fixture between the two sides three weeks ago.
Martin opened the scoring after five minutes as his well-hit half-volley powered past Chapel goalkeeper Dale Hoggins.
Paul McGuire’s side continued to dominate proceedings and Martin put Central two goals to the good when his shot ended up in the back of the net.
A brilliant team move from Central saw Martin complete his hat-trick early in the second half with a low finish across goal, and he added his and Central’s fourth shortly after with a rebound.
Chapel capitalised on some lethargic Central defending after 70 minutes, with Matt Sherlock on hand to finish into an empty net to make it 4-1.
Liam Ellis almost instantly replied for Central with a confident strike, and Cory Knight rounded off the scoring three minute from time.
The pick of the goals came after 48 minutes when Elvis Amoakwa combined with Oumar Kande who played a one-two with Ellis, and Kande set-up Martin who finished with a strike into the bottom-left corner.
Central will be disappointed with the goal they conceded as Jamar Campbell, who otherwise performed well in the absence of captain and first choice centre-back Tom Greenfield, saw his under-hit pass fall to the feet of Sherlock who rounded an onrushing Jordan Hadlow to add a consolation goal for Chapel.
It was a convincing display from Manchester Central as they defeated 2nd placed Chapel Town with Martin and Cyril Davies the outstanding performers for the home side.
Davies controlled the game brilliantly in his holding midfield role, rarely losing the ball and playing some key passes for goals.
Surprisingly, despite conceding six goals, Chapel ‘keeper Hoggins put in a solid performance for the away side and Central could well have hit double figures if it wasn’t for his impressive saves.
McGuire said after the game: “[Today was] much more like what Manchester Central are about and much more like what we were like last season.
“We were ruthless, fast, aggressive; it was a pleasure to watch today.”
“We talked to the lads before the game and said ‘look, this season needs to start now’ and hopefully it has.
“The big negative is conceding; what a pathetic goal to concede and the two lads know that. It should’ve been two clean sheets on the bounce.”
Next for Manchester Central is a trip to bottom side Westbury Sports Club, as Chapel Town travel to third place Leigh Athletic.
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