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McDonald reflects on Barwell win

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Image for McDonald reflects on Barwell win

Solihull Moors manager Liam McDonald has spoken of his delight after his side won their opening match of pre-season away at Barwell last night.

In a column on the Moors’ official website, McDonald discussed his side’s dominance in the game and praised a number of his squad for their individual performances in the match against the Northern Premier Division outfit.

The Solihull Moors boss used five trialists in last night’s match, with winger Koby Arthur, forward Jermaine Hylton and defender Jordan Cullinane-Liburd all starting the game at Kirkby Road, while attackers Will Mellors-Blair, who scored the Moors’ second, and Tristian Dunkley appearing from the bench.

McDonald, while not naming any names, stated that he was pleased with the contribution of the trialists and admitted that he was a talks with a few players over moves to Damson Park.

Here’s what the Moors boss had to say after last night’s win over Barwell:

‘As pre season matches go I was really pleased with the team’s performance last night.

‘Barwell have already played one game this summer and the 3 – 3 draw away to Nuneaton was warning enough that our game last night would be tough. They are strong side capable of good football and this was just the right type of match for our new squad.

‘I thought we dominated the game and although our performance in the final third could have been a little better, given it was the first time the lads have played together in a proper match, plus the fact that several of the squad were missing, I was delighted to see how they approached the encounter. Nathan Vaughan hardly had a shot to save.

‘The experience that Darren Carter and Paul Green bring to the team was evident from the start. The back four was solid throughout the whole 90 minutes and Paul’s influence plus the strength and agility of Kristian Green and Joel Kettle was just what we needed. Full marks to the trialist who filled in at left back.

‘All the trialists did well and played their full part in the win as did the Academy players – it was another chance for the fans to see why Leicester City are taking Tyrese Shade for a week’s assessment!

‘I thought Oladapo Afolayan did well up front and seems over the injury he picked up late last season whilst Jack Edwards and Simeon Maye made their presence felt – they were not intimidated by the tough tactics from our hosts and as a manager I was pleased that our lads also showed what they are made of in the tackle!

‘I think some of the supporters feel I sometimes play George Carline out of position but I strongly disagree. I brought George out of Sunday League football in his Cadbury Athletic days and yes he established himself as a left sided midfielder. However, I have more recently played him in a more central role and believe he could be one of the best in that position in the National league. So we will pursue this option and see what happens.

‘Tonight’s game away to Highgate is another one to relish. The Midland League outfit is well known for its tenacity – just what we need in this week where the three hard games plus a training session should see our match fitness increase dramatically.

‘I am still talking to a few more players who I believe can do a good job for us – it’s an exciting squad and I am really looking forward to the new season.’



Was you at the Barwell game last night? What did you make of the Moors’ performance? Excited about the Moors’ squad ahead of the new season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Editor - Vital Solihull Moors

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