Leaving Sutton United with a 1-0 defeat and then heading to Gateshead who have just thumped Maidenhead United 7-1. Talk about playing sides full of confidence!
The home fixture against Gateshead was Yates’ first at the ATG and was an early sign of what we could expect for the rest of the season, a side full of endeavour, capable of giving the opposition as good as they gave (Russell Penn getting rattled and sent off helped prove that) and just lacked the little bit of inspiration to open up a well-drilled outfit.
Things have improved since. Jermaine Hylton has been a nightmare for defences when on song while Jamey Osborne’s addition to the midfield was crucial. The side is now bigger, fitter, stronger and possesses more quality than it did back in November.
However, we remain a side in the bottom four and desperate for points. A win tonight can take us out of the relegation zone for the first time season. Barrow may have two games in hand after tonight but they play Bromley away and Hartlepool United at home – a Hartlepool side sitting just four points ahead of The Moors having played a game more.
Adi Yussuf’s red card was difficult to take, particularly as no appeal can be made. However, it does represent Alex Reid with a chance to make an impression in what is likely to be his first start. One man’s misfortune and all that.
As ever, three points are paramount.
Vital Quotes:
Yates was disappointed with the result but not the performance on Saturday:
“It was a game we should`ve got something out of. It`s not about where we are today; it`s about where we are in 11 games time. I thought that we were great. We competed with them, had a few chances and they were moaning – they were only moaning because we gave them such a tough time.
“They`re good at keeping leads and unfortunately we couldn`t get something back. I don`t think us having a break is anything to do with it. We trained really well and the lead up to the game was great, so that`s not a problem on our part.”
Gateshead Team News:
Russell Penn and Neill Byrne are expected to be back in contention for the visit of The Moors. With the side winning 7-1 on Saturday, it will be interesting to see whether changes are made to the starting XI.
Player to watch: Ben Fox
Ben Fox struggled to make himself a regular in a Solihull Moors side in the bottom two earlier in the season. He’s now a regular at mid-table Gateshead, a side that have won two on the bounce at home.
Solihull Moors Team News:
Alex Reid looks set to make his first Solihull Moors start, replacing the suspended Adi Yussuf in the starting XI. Teenager Romario Martin may be called back into the first-team.
Player to watch: Alex Reid
With Jermaine Hylton and Kwame Thomas scoreless in the last two and Adi Yussuf suspended, all eyes will be on Alex Reid if he starts.
Match Facts & Stats
Gateshead – 12th
Overall record: Played 35; Won 11, Drawn 14, Lost 10; For 49, Against 37, GD +12; Points 47
Last six away: Played 6; Won 2, Drawn 2, Lost 2; For 11, Against 7, GD +4; Points 8
Most starts: Neill Byrne & Paddy McLaughlin – 31
Most goals: Danny Johnson – 8
Worst discipline: Jamal Fyfield – 7 yellow cards, 1 red card
SOLIHULL MOORS – 21st
Overall record: Played 35; Won 9, Drawn 7, Lost 19; For 35, Against 50, GD -15; Points 34
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 3; For 5, Against 5, GD 0; Points 7
Most starts: Darren Carter – 35
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 11
Worst discipline: Darren Carter – 5 yellow cards and 1 red card
Ref Watch:
Referee: Matthew Dicicco
Location: Hertfordshire
National League matches officiated 17/18: 7
Yellow cards produced: 20
Red cards produced: 0
Penalties awarded: 3
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: It doesn’t appear that he’s ever refereed a Solihull Moors fixture!
Assistant referees: David Hunt and David Fitzpatrick
Fourth official: Terry Fletcher
Match Prediction:
Gateshead 1-1 Solihull Moors
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
17.03.2018 – Torquay United (H) – NAL
20.03.2018 – Bromley (H) – NAL
24.03.2018 – Halifax Town (A) – NAL
30.03.2018 – Aldershot Town (H) – NAL
02.04.2018 – Tranmere Rovers (A) – NAL
07.04.2018 – Hartlepool United (A) – NAL
