Tuesday was the evening Moors fans had been waiting for since Eastleigh in April.
So far this season we have endured a postponement, naive displays, almost every individual error being punished and just one victory. We have seen the team perform brightly for a period but struggle either side of it. Not on Tuesday.
That was a complete performance. Yes, Chester were abject but we helped cause that. We tracked runners, won headers, won 50-50’s and second balls and looked dangerous whenever we attacked. It was a fine mix of determination and talent coming together in one.
Macclesfield Town are a slightly different proposition. The third oldest club in the division, The Silkmen are on the comeback after financial difficulties cost the club their Football League status a few years back.
John Askey, a club legend, has helped the club survive and rebuild in recent years but their early season form has been mixed with three wins and three defeats from their opening eight matches. Perhaps unsurprising given only a handful of players remain at the club from last season.
Many will remember our last game against Macclesfield Town, a superb 3-1 comeback victory that ended a run of six straight defeats and gave us a platform to go on and survive. A similar result on Saturday would do wonders.
Vital Quotes:
Solihull Moors manager Liam McDonald talks up Tuesday night’s performance:
“I thought we were brilliant from start to finish. We defended really well, we had quality for the goal and going down to 10 men, it was always going to be a test of character – they’ve been outstanding.
“The last month with everything that’s been going on, I’ve normally been lost for words about a few performances and goals we’ve conceded. But today, I’m lost for words with how well we played. It was always going to be a tough game. They’re under pressure, we’re under pressure. We dominated Chester, they weren’t great but we made them not look great. I felt that we were in control out of possession and for such a young group of players, we were excellent.”
Solihull Moors Team News:
Zain Westbrooke starts his three-match suspension following a straight red card on Tuesday evening. Moors boss Liam McDonald has also stated that Simeon Maye might play some part in the fixture after injury. Ben Fox will be in the squad after signing on loan from Burton Albion today.
Player to watch: Jordan Cullinane-Liburd
I will be honest and say I had my reservations about Jordan Cullinane-Liburd. However, he looks fitter, stronger and used to powerful frame to real effect on Tuesday evening, almost gaining an assist and denying Jordan Chappell two easy one-on-one situations.
Macclesfield Town Team News:
Jared Hodgkiss is missing for Macclesfield Town who have also seen Adam Yates return to Port Vale following a brief loan spell. George Pilkington and Ryan Lloyd are doubts.
Player to watch: Koby Arthur
We took Koby Arthur on trial this summer and in all fairness, he never really cut the mustard before heading off to Macclesfield Town. I of course produced a piece that said he was performing quite poorly so he’s guaranteed to come off the bench and score, isn’t he?
Match Facts & Stats
SOLIHULL MOORS – 22nd
Overall: Played 8; Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 5; For 9, Against 15, GD -6; Points 7
Most starts: Carline, Carter and Murombedzi – 8
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 4
Worst discipline: Zain Westbrooke – 1 red card
Macclesfield Town – 14th
Overall: Played 8; Won 3, Drawn 2, Lost 3; For 7, Against 9, GD -2; Points 7
Most starts: David Fitzpatrick and Keith Lowe – 8
Most goals: Baba, Durrell, Hancox, Kennedy, Marsh, Whitaker and Wilson – 1
Worst discipline: Gime Toure – 2 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Peter Gibbons
Location: Wirral
National League matches officiated 17/18: 3
Yellow cards produced: 8
Red cards produced: 0
Penalties given: 0
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: 17/01/2015: Solihull Moors 1-0 Brackley Town
Assistant referees: Abigail Marriott and Hallam Cutmore
Fourth official: Robert Hathaway
Match Prediction:
SOLIHULL MOORS 2-1 Macclesfield Town
Next Fixtures:
12/09/2017 – Woking (A) – 19:45
16/09/2017 – Bromley (A) – 15:00
23/09/2017 – Dagenham and Redbridge (H) – 15:00
30/09/2017 – Dover Athletic (A) – 15:00
03/10/2017 – Ebbsfleet United (H) – 19:45
07/10/2017 – Hartlepool United (H) – 15:00
