If Solihull Moors are to do the improbable and survive, we will do so by overturning a 12-point gap between us and 20th place.
Barrow are the current occupants and have proven that a mini-run of results can still have a huge impact on your position in the table having previously been amongst five sides vying for survival.
Ady Pennock took charge of Barrow on 27 October while the club were languishing inside the National League relegation zone. Five wins from nine matches and things are beginning to look up for a club who were one of the pre-season favourites to attain a play-off position.
They provide hope for Mark Yates and his team. Performances have most definitely improved since the arrival of Yates and Flowers but that little bit of quality, concentration and luck has been the difference between earning 6 points and not 12 from the last 7 matches.
In our four away games under Mark Yates we have conceded one goal in each. Two defensive mishaps cost us against Maidstone United and Wrexham while Chester and Maidenhead United won via second-half set-pieces.
It`s still very much a case of trying to win the next game but it`s hard not to feel that if we can get two or three victories over the next month, we may just give ourselves a chance.
Vital Quotes:
Mark Yates talks frustration after defeat at Maidenhead United:
“Frustrated, I thought the better team didn`t win the game. We got done by a set piece, they`re a big side and we knew they were a threat from that. We dealt with most of it brilliantly, we were in the ascendancy before they scored the goal and we just couldn`t score.
Barrow Team News:
Goalkeeper Stuart Moore and captain Asa Hall should return for the visit of Solihull Moors. Bradley Bauress is set to have a scan on a knee injury though Lewis Walters is expected to miss out.
Player to watch: Moussa Diarra
As far as centre-halves go, Moussa Diarra is up there with the best in the National League. With goals against Woking and Wrexham in his last two outing, he`s proving useful at the other end too.
Solihull Moors Team News:
Mark Yates received a huge boost following the news that Jamey Osborne`s loan has been extended for another month. Sheridan Martinez has replaced Charlie Bannister as back-up to Max O`Leary. Jermaine Hylton will serve the last of his three-match suspension.
Player to watch: Kristian Green
Kristian Green has returned to the side in recent matches and his all-action displays have been a reminder as to why he is a fans favourite.
Match Facts & Stats
Barrow – 20th
Overall record: Played 26; Won 7, Drawn 8, Lost 11; For 31, Against 34, GD -3; Points 29
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 2, Lost 3; For 6, Against 10, GD -4; Points 5
Most starts: Bedsente Gomis – 24
Most goals: Byron Harrison – 6
Worst discipline: Jimmy Dunne – 5 yellow cards, 1 red card
Solihull Moors – 24th
Overall record: Played 26; Won 4, Drawn 5, Lost 17; For 21, Against 43, GD -22; Points 17
Last six away: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 4; For 5, Against 9, GD -4; Points 4
Most starts: Darren Carter – 26
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 8
Worst discipline: Darren Carter – 5 yellow cards and 1 red card
Ref Watch:
Referee: Glen Hart
Location: County Durham
National League matches officiated 17/18: 9
Yellow cards produced: 23
Red cards produced: 1
Penalties awarded: 0
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: Ossett Town 1-2 Solihull Moors – 17/10/2017
Assistant referees: Elliott Heward and Daniel Woodward
Fourth official: Lewis Smith
Match Prediction:
Barrow 0-1 Solihull Moors
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
01.01.2018 – Maidenhead United (H) – NAL
06.01.2018 – Macclesfield Town (A) – NAL
13.01.2018 – Gainsborough Trinity/Spennymoor Town (A) – FAT
20.01.2018 – Woking (H) – NAL
27.01.2018 – Dagenham and Redbridge (A) – NAL
03.02.2018 – Bromley (H) – NAL
