Liam McDonald must have been cursing his luck as Iffy Allen found George Porter racing in behind a defence that had switched off for a crucial moment. One-nil, two minutes left, game over.
The gaffer has made the most of having a full week without a game by adding left-back Joe Payne on a one-month loan from Barnet and journeyman striker Richard Brodie.
Starting with Brodie, McDonald finally has the target man he has been crying out for, particularly in the absence of George Carline and Luke Benbow who remain unavailable this weekend. His size and strength are a necessary addition to a side that have been overly reliant on Oladapo Afolayan in attack.
Payne is at the opposite end of his career, a teenage left-back hoping to make the most of a month’s first-team football. It’s only one clip, but him being able to score so beautifully from the halfway line suggests he has a rather decent left-foot on him.
No question, McDonald has brought in the kind of players he has been crying out for.
Our opponents this Saturday, Dagenham and Redbridge, will provide as tough of a test at the Automated Technology Group Staidum as we will face this season. The Daggers are scoring goals for fun (23 in 11 matches) but have conceded 15 meaning we have every chance of defying the odds.
Home comforts, potentially four home debuts and, finally, playing in a one game week. Come on you Moors!
Vital Quotes:
Liam McDonald talks possible new additions and the proverbial twelfth man
‘We had a bad run of results towards the end of last season but I am confident we will turn this season around in the same manner. I am looking at an experienced on-loan striker to come in, possibly by Saturday, as we need to strengthen that aspect quickly. I also want to improve our defensive left flank – that is no criticism for either Jordan or Kalern who I brought in knowing that relatively quickly they would be comfortable with National league standards – both have been thrown in at the deep end because of the injuries and they need more time.
I have said before that you, the fans, can be our twelfth man and your support has never been needed more than it will be over the next few weeks when we face Dagenham, Dover, Ebbsfleet and Hartlepool three of which are at home. The players know what is required of them but when you are quiet they know it and when you are shouting your heads off they respond. It can make the difference.
So please don`t hold back – I want to turn our results around now so that we do not have another nail biting finish to the season – we will pick ourselves up but this is our club and together we will be at our strongest.’
Solihull Moors Team News:
Darren Currie has confirmed that Dagenham and Redbridge will be without Scott Doe, Daniel Sparkes and Michael Cheek for the game.
Player to watch: Corey Whiteley
In Corey Whiteley, Dagenham and Redbridge have a star. The 26 year-old joined from Enfield Town last summer and promptly netted 15 goals. His record so far this season is 8 goals from 10 matches including a goal in each of his last two matches. Still always has had an eye for non-league talent.
Dagenham and Redbridge Team News:
Joe Payne and Richard Brodie are likely to make debuts for injury-plagued Solihull Moors. Simeon Maye and Jermaine Hylton are back in training, George Carline’s injury is not quite as bad as first feared while Ashley Sammons and Luke Benbow are ‘coming along’ but none will feature Saturday.
Player to watch: Richard Brodie
Richard Brodie’s career been quite the journey. From raw, goalscoring talent at Yorke City, he has become a journeyman of 13 clubs since 2010. Brodie joined Skelmersdale United in the summer but returns to the National League hoping to prove himself at Solihull Moors.
Match Facts & Stats
SOLIHULL MOORS – 23rd
Overall record: Played 10; Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 8; For 10, Against 19, GD -9; Points 7
Most starts: Darren Carter and Shepherd Murombedzi – 11
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 4
Worst discipline: Zain Westbrooke – 1 red card
Dagenham and Redbridge – 3rd
Overall record: Played 11; Won 5, Drawn 4, Lost 2; For 23, Against 15, GD +8; Points 19
Most starts: Boucud, Cousins, Ferrier & Robson – 11
Most goals: Corey Whiteley – 8
Worst discipline: Brett Williams – 4 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Christopher Pollard
Location: Suffolk
National League matches officiated 17/18: 5
Yellow cards produced: 14
Red cards produced: 1
Penalties awarded: 2
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: 15/08/2017 – Solihull Moors 3-3 Barrow
Assistant referees: Jon Block and Matthew Smith
Fourth official: Brian O’Sullivan
Match Prediction:
Solihull Moors 2-2 Dagenham and Redbridge
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
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
28/10/2017 – AFC Fylde (H) – 15:00
