Solihull Moors’ start to the season can be paled into relative insignificance by Saturday’s opponents Torquay United.
After a difficult summer in the transfer market in which a lot of players were brought in late on, their season got off to a solid enough start with a 0-0 draw against Tranmere Rovers, even if the National League favourites had two players sent off.
They lost the next three, conceding 10 goals, before club legend Kevin Nicholson was relieved of his duties. Caretaker boss Robbie Herrera could do little to stop the rot, The Gulls conceding twice late on against lowly Guiseley.
It’s fair to say that this is a game Liam McDonald will be desperate to win as he bids to get his side away from the bottom three.
A difficult start was made worse against FC Halifax Town but there were positives, particularly the opening half an hour of the second half in which chance after chance was created but Sam Johnson would not be troubled enough.
Kristian Green’s return was yet another positive, Fiacre Kelleher looked more comfortable and Tahvon Campbell looks a player with a bit of magic in his boots. And with Hylton, Maye, Flanagan, Sammons and Lait still to return, there is little need to panic.
This game is big but as McDonald says – there are 41 still left to play.
Vital Quotes:
McDonald talks early goals and bank holiday trips down south
‘All too often teams can concede early after being stuck on a coach for hours. We know the pitfalls but the players will be ready when they take to the pitch. Our record against The Gulls is not good and we are looking to rectify that on Saturday.
People are already talking about this being a must win as Torquay prop up the league with us just one place above and one goal difference in front of them. From my point of view, it is no more important than any other league game but we need to put in a good performance and get points on the board. There are 41 games left this season and certainly no reason to panic.’
Torquay United Team News:
Torquay United caretaker manager Robbie Herrera will be able to call upon new loan signing Dan Lavercombe, who has rejoined on loan from Wigan Athletic.
Player to watch: Ruairi Keating
It’s been a horrible old start to the season for Torquay United but Ruairi Keating is flying. The striker signed a new deal this summer and has scored three of his side’s six league goals. The man in form up top.
Solihull Moors Team News:
Liam McDonald has confirmed that Jermaine Hylton will again be missing and could be for another 2/3 weeks. Simeon Maye is close to a return but will not be risked on Saturday. Chris Lait, Ashley Sammons and Calum Flanagan remain out.
Player to watch: Joel Kettle
With a very inexperienced backline at McDonald’s disposal, Joel Kettle’s return to the starting XI after the opening day was a necessary one. A ‘proper’ centre-half who tries to dominate the opposition, he has started showing a willingness to drive out of defence with the ball too.
Match Facts & Stats
Torquay United – 24th
Overall record: Played 5; Won 0, Drawn 1, Lost 4; For 6, Against 13, GD -7; Points 1
Most starts: Chaney, Clarke, Higgins, Klukowski, McGinty and Young – 5
Most goals: Ruairi Keating – 3
Worst discipline: Sean McGinty – 2 yellow cards
SOLIHULL MOORS – 23rd
Overall record: Played 4; Won 0, Drawn 1, Lost 3; For 5, Against 11, GD -6; Points 1
Most starts: Carline, Carter, Kelleher, Liburd and Murombedzi – 4
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 2
Worst discipline: Dunkley, Edwards and Murombedzi – 2 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Savvas Yianni
Location: Weston Super-Mare
National League matches officiated 17/18: 2
Yellow cards produced: 5
Red cards produced: 0
Penalties awarded: 1
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: N/A
Assistant referees: Martin Underhay and Philip Staynings
Fourth official: Phillip Eddie
Match Prediction:
Torquay United 1-2 Solihull Moors
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
28/08/2017 – Tranmere Rovers (H) – 15:00
02/09/2017 – Aldershot Town (A) – 15:00
05/09/2017 – Chester (H) – 19:45
09/09/2017 – Macclesfield Town (H) – 15:00
12/09/2017 – Woking (A) – 19:45
16/09/2017 – Bromley (A) – 15:00
