Listening to Liam McDonald bemoan another late goal being conceded can be difficult. A man whose enthusiasm for football and belief in his squad is ever-present, he genuinely looks absolutely gutted at every setback.
Yet the last two games have provided enough evidence to show that we are close to a very good thing. We have defended stoutly for the majority of the game and looked menacing on the counter-attack. There is a natural balance to the side that was missing early on in the campaign and we are looking all the better for it – Payne, Richards and Brodie have been fine additions.
The big shame is that those two performances came against genuine promotion challengers in Dover Athletic and Dagenham and Redbridge – two sides almost certain to be in the top seven come the end of the season.
Ebbsfleet United are our opponents on what is sure to be a cold Tuesday evening.
The Fleet have hit form recently, not conceding in their last three matches and winning the last two as they finally broke the habit of drawing every week – they have incredibly drawn 9 of their opening 13 matches.
Shepherd Murombedzi’s suspension means he misses out so the timing of Simeon Maye’s return is a crucial one. With George Carline back and our bench now containing genuine attacking options, McDonald will surely fancy his chances of earning three points.
With a quarter of the season now done and dusted, it’s time for Solihull Moors to start getting results and lifting ourselves out of the bottom three.
Vital Quotes:
Liam McDonald talking after the weekend defeat at Dover:
We’ve got a habit of just gifting goals – nobody has really opened us up this season and scored a goal worthy of winning a game. These (Dover) go top today and we are in the position we’re in. It’s small margins and we aren’t a million miles away. It’s hard for me to criticise the lads today, they’ve come off, they’re tired, they’ve worked really hard today against top of the league – I know how they’re feeling.
If you see the last two performances, maybe the last three, we look a different side. We look comfortable, we don’t look like we’re going to get overran, we look solid at the back, we look good in midfield, we’ve got a threat and a big man up top. It’s just disappointing as a group to lose but we’ll bounce back.
Solihull Moors Team News:
Shepherd Murombedzi’s fifth booking of the season means he will miss Tuesday night’s fixture against Ebbsfleet United. Wes McDonald and Simeon Maye will be pushing for a return to the side. Jermaine Hylton is back in training while Luke Benbow is expected to return next week.
Player to watch: George Carline
It has been a frustrating season for George Carline so far. Two minor injuries have not helped yet McDonald relies heavily on his tall left-winger because on his day he can be amongst the most effective wide players in the division.
Ebbsfleet United Team News:
Sean Shields returned to action from the bench against Eastleigh midweek and scored twice to give Daryl McMahon a selection headache. As if often the case, finding team news midweek is difficult.
Player to watch: Darren McQueen
For those that travelled to the Automated Technology Group Stadium this summer to watch England C play, you would have seen ex-Ipswich Town youngster Darren McQueen play and score twice. The goals have not flown just yet for the youngster but his raw pace and willingness to get in the box will cause most sides problems.
Match Facts & Stats
SOLIHULL MOORS – 23rd
Overall record: Played 13; Won 2, Drawn 2, Lost 9; For 12, Against 22, GD -9; Points 8
Last six at home Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 2, Lost 3; For 7, Against 9, GD -2; Points 5
Most starts: Darren Carter and Shepherd Murombedzi – 13
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 5
Worst discipline: Shepherd Murombedzi – 5 yellow cards
Ebbsfleet United – 12th
Overall record: Played 13; Won 3, Drawn 9, Lost 1; For 18, Against 15, GD +3; Points 18
Last six away: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 5, Lost 0; For 9, Against 8, GD +1; Points 8
Most starts: Nathan Ashmore – 13
Most goals: Danny Kedwell – 5
Worst discipline: Myles Weston – 3 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Matthew Donohue
Location: Greater Manchester
National League matches officiated 17/18: 4
Yellow cards produced: 11
Red cards produced: 0
Penalties awarded: 1
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: N/A
Assistant referees: Kenwyn Hughes and David Hunt
Fourth official: Jack Shepherd
Match Prediction:
Solihull Moors 2-2 Ebbsfleet United
Next Fixtures:
07/10/2017 – Hartlepool United (H) – 15:00 – NL
10/10/2017 – Stratford Town (A) – 7:45 – BSC
14/10/2017 – 1874 Northwich / Ossett Town – FAC
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
