With the potential for a cup upset in mind, this is a great chance for Richard Money to secure a first victory and to continue getting the supporters on board.
Last Saturday’s defeat against Hartlepool United all but summed up the club’s form since beating Chester 2-0. Hard-fought, defensively sound for most of the game, one lapse in concentration in the final 10 minutes costs us a point or three.
Saturday represents a chance to start afresh, to put the past few weeks behind us and focus on getting a much-needed victory.
It is important to get that win too. Firstly, the players can leave saying they have left a game victorious for the first time in over a month. Then there is the avoidance of a needless, awkward midweek trip to West Yorkshire for the replay. Avoiding that means a full week on the training ground for Money and his players to prepare for a massive fixture against lowly Guiseley on Saturday.
This is one of those rare occasions where victory could well do an awful lot more for the favourites that the underdogs.
COME ON YOU MOORS!
Vital Quotes:
Richard Money on his team selection for the club’s FA Cup tie:
“On Saturday we will pick what we think is the best team. It is an important game for the club and we want to go through.”
“There are one or two closer to coming back, and one or two who may be able to be on the bench at the weekend, which is a step in the right direction,”
Solihull Moors Team News:
Richard Money has confirmed that Ben Fox and Joe Payne have returned to Barnet but he does have Chris Camwell available after the youngster joined on loan from Coventry City. Ashley Sammons returned to the first-team training this week but is unlikely to feature.
Player to watch: Fiacre Kelleher
A new manager has given a new lease of life to Fiacre Kelleher who stepped in from the cold to stand up and be counted alongside Liam Daly against Hartlepool United.
Ossett Town Team News:
Understandably there is not a place to find team news for 8th tier Ossett Town.
Player to watch: Sam Wright
Truthfully, I would be lying if I said I knew an awful lot about Ossett Town players. Leigh Overton, Ashley Jackson and Kai Hancock have played a part in every fixture so far this season while Nathan Curtis and Sam Wright both made senior debuts for Bradford City.
Match Facts & Stats
Solihull Moors -23rd (National League)
Overall record: Played 15; Won 2, Drawn 2, Lost 11; For 14, Against 27, GD -13; Points 8
Last six at home Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 4; For 5, Against 9, GD -4; Points 4
Most starts: Darren Carter – 15
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan and Darren Carter – 5
Worst discipline: Shepherd Murombedzi – 5 yellow cards
Ossett Town – 12th
Overall record: Played 9; Won 5, Drawn 1, Lost 3; For 13, Against 10, GD +3; Points 16
Ref Watch:
Referee: Simon Mather
Assistant referees: Michael Barlow and Darren Rogers
Fourth official: Greg Rollason
Mather is currently refereeing in the National League North division and has never refereed Solihull Moors in a league fixture before. He was namechecked in local papers in March due to his decision to abandon an U23 match between Millwall and Hull City following a brawl.
Match Prediction:
Solihull Moors 3-0 Ossett Town
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
21/10/2017 – Guiseley (A) – 15:00 – NL
24/10/2017 – Eastleigh (A) – 19:45 – NL
28/10/2017 – AFC Fylde (H) – 15:00 – NL
11/11/2017 – Sutton United (H) – NL
18/11/2017 – Maidstone United (A) – NL
21/11/2017 – Wrexham (A) – NL
