Defeat to Woking on Tuesday night was another 90 minute summary of Solihull Moors’ season so far.
A slow start, brought about by a willingness to slow down a well-coached side, before The Moors stepped up a gear in the second half. We scored a deserved goal and could have netted a couple. Then unfortunately, as has often been the tale, one slip cost us.
One unhelpful factor in recent matches has been the lack of attacking options. It’s why the additions of Courtney Richards and Wes McDonald were such positives for the squad.
Richards, judging on his performance against the Moors for Macclesfield Town last weekend, should add real energy in midfield alongside Darren Carter. It also potentially frees up Shepherd Murombedzi to move further up the field and get at the opposition. McDonald is much rawer but can fit any of the attacking midfield positions.
It means McDonald goes into the weekend with Murombedzi, Campbell, Fox, McDonald, Afolayan and Dunkley available in the final third, a luxury of attacking options not afforded to him since the back end of pre-season.
Neil Smith has enjoyed a more fruitful time with regards to injuries. Eight of his players have started eight games while four have been ever-present. How McDonald must envy his counterpart.
Like Moors, The Lilywhites have been involved in just under three goals per game. It could prove an enjoyable game.
Vital Quotes:
Solihull Moors manager Liam McDonald talks up new signing Courtney Richards:
‘Courtney will add energy and quality to our midfield to complement what we already have.
‘Despite only being 23, he’s an experienced footballer who is a leader and will be a good character to have in our dressing room.’
Bromley Team News:
It’s Friday night and unfortunately there is no written news for Bromley. So I will say that there could be a couple of changes, there might not be. Jack Holland will probably start.
Player to watch: Josh Rees
Signed in the summer from Chelmsford City, Josh Rees has made a decent impact so far. The ex-Arsenal youth has started every match this season for The Ravens scoring four goals.
Solihull Moors Team News:
Liam McDonald confirmed after Woking that none of his injured players would return to full fitness for Saturday’s trip to Bromley. However, he does welcome Courtney Richards and Wes McDonald to his squad after the pair joined on loan.
Player to watch: Wes McDonald
Wes McDonald is a player full of excitement. Quick feet, quick acceleration and the ability to strike for fun from distance. A goalscoring midfielder who will hopefully thrive over the next month.
Match Facts & Stats
Bromley – 12th
Overall record: Played 10; Won 4, Drawn 3, Lost 3; For 16, Against 13, GD +3; Points 15
Most starts: Gregory, Holland, Rees and Wanadio – 10
Most goals: Josh Rees & Brett Williams – 4
Worst discipline: Brett Williams – 4 yellow cards
SOLIHULL MOORS – 22nd
Overall record: Played 10; Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 7; For 10, Against 18, GD -8; Points 7
Most starts: Darren Carter and Shepherd Murombedzi – 10
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 4
Worst discipline: Zain Westbrooke – 1 red card
Ref Watch:
Referee: Adam Bromley
Location: Devon
National League matches officiated 17/18: 4
Yellow cards produced: 9
Red cards produced: 0
Penalties awarded: 0
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: 22/10/2016 – Solihull Moors 0-3 Tranmere Rovers
Assistant referees: Daniel Bonneywell and Isaac Searle
Fourth official: Lee Dyson
Match Prediction:
Bromley 1-2 SOLIHULL MOORS
Next Fixtures:
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
21/10/2017 – Guiseley (A) – 15:00
24/10/2017 – Eastleigh (A) – 19:45
