A lot has changed for both Marcus Bignot and Solihull Moors since the pair broke up little over a year ago.
The ex-Moors gaffer endured an indifferent couple of months in the Football League before returning to management at National League strugglers Chester FC, a short spell supporting the Moors academy in between. Solihull Moors have just made Mark Yates their third permanent manager since Bignot`s departure.
There is no questioning that the travelling Solihull Moors supporters will provide Bignot with a rousing reception. After all, this is a man whose whose honesty and openness with supporters made him a hero as much as his celebrated National League North and Birmingham Senior Cup winning sides.
Yet sentiment will have to fall by the wayside until the referee`s final whistle.
The Blues sit two places and two points ahead of The Moors in the table with both sides sat in the relegation zone. Mark Yates` first victory as Moors boss was just the club`s second since winning the reverse fixture over three months ago while Chester are without victory in six matches. Defeat is not an option for either club.
We all want to see Bignot succeed on a personal level but if a relegation on his CV means Solihull Moors` survival, so be it.
Vital Quotes:
Chester Team News:
Daniel Udoh and Sam Hornby joined Chester on loan from Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale this week and could make debuts. Changes are likely having been beat 4-0 at home by Dagenham and Redbridge last time out.
Player to watch: James Akintunde
James Akintunde scored twice in November and is a key figure in the Chester starting XI these days. The forward looks likely to be a key figure as Chester attempt to avoid the drop.
Solihull Moors Team News:
Jamie Reckord is in line for his Solihull Moors debut after joining on a free transfer this week. Kalern Thomas has officially left the club while Luke Benbow`s loan has been extended.
Player to watch: Jamey Osborne
Jamey Osborne could have been lining up for Chester if Marcus Bignot had his way. Thankfully he chose Solihull Moors and his performance last week showed exactly what we have been missing.
Match Facts & Stats
Chester – 22nd
Overall record: Played 22; Won 3, Drawn 9, Lost 10; For 21, Against 36, GD -15; Points 18
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 2, Drawn 0, Lost 4; For 6, Against 11, GD -5; Points 6
Most starts: Kingsley James – 21
Most goals: Ross Hannah – 5
Worst discipline: Paul Turnbull and Andy Halls – 5 yellow cards
SOLIHULL MOORS – 24th
Overall record: Played 23; Won 4, Drawn 4, Lost 15; For 21, Against 41, GD -20; Points 16
Last six away: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 4; For 5, Against 9, GD -4; Points 4
Most starts: Darren Carter – 23
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 8
Worst discipline: Shepherd Murombedzi – 5 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Peter Wright
Location: Merseyside
National League matches officiated 17/18: 11
Yellow cards produced: 32
Red cards produced: 1
Penalties awarded: 2
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: Woking 2-1 Solihull Moors – 12/09/2017
Assistant referees: Michael Barlow and Ben Atkinson
Fourth official: Daniel Hitchell
Match Prediction:
Chester 1-2 Solihull Moors
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
16.12.2017 – Tranmere Rovers (H) – FAT
23.12.2017 – Boreham Wood (H) – NAL
26.12.2017 – Maidenhead United (A) – NAL
30.12.2017 – Barrow (A) – NAL
01.01.2017 – Maidenhead United (H) – NAL
06.01.2017 – Macclesfield Town (A) – NAL
