Chester do not really like Solihull Moors.
Firstly, there was the postponement of the opening match of the season for reasons even us fans are not too sure of. Then, due to the ongoing investigation, the Moors could not elaborate further resulting in much anger heading our way.
Then there were complaints that Chester did not just have to play the game at a later date but Solihull Moors would only receive a fine and no-points deduction.
Then came the news that Nathan Vaughan was being named player of the month. And I will confess, the first comment I personally happened to come across was a Chester fan asking ‘Why is this league so tinpot. 14 goals conceded already yet one kick gets him POTM’. In fairness to that fan, he may not have been the only fan questioning the decision.
As if there wasn’t already likely to be a few naughty comments from the stands, both sides sit in the relegation zone with just one victory apiece.
It promises to be a competitive game full of strong challenges and on a wet, autumnal evening we should hardly expect top quality football.
And with the player of the month in net, and in inspired form it should be said, we have a great chance of getting a result.
Vital Quotes:
Solihull Moors boss Liam McDonald discusses the ‘six-pointer’ tag talked about with tonight’s fixture:
‘It’s not a six pointer, there’s loads of points to play for.
‘I think it is a winnable game at home. The lads are excited to play in it and one we want to make sure we put in a good performance.
‘If we do that then I’m sure we’ll get a positive result from it. We look forward to it, if we can get that win it can start a run for us.
‘We have got lads to come back that will strengthen the side and that’s the important thing. we need to keep our heads up, get some more players back There’s light at the end of the tunnel, there’s positives.’
Solihull Moors Team News:
Simeon Maye might be fit to return for tonight’s fixture, but remains a doubt. Zain Westbrooke will hope to make his first start after making his Solihull Moors debut from bench on Saturday after joining on loan last week. Jack Edwards, Will Mellors-Blair and Shomari Barnwell have all departed the club.
Player to watch: Nathan Vaughan
I like to spread this award around but Nathan Vaughan really is in the form of his life currently. I’m begging that this does not jinx him but tonight is a fine platform for the experienced stopper to showcase his talents, including kicking, once more.
Chester Team News:
Jon McCarthy has been blaming bad luck and injuries for his sides post-Christmas slump. He has lost all four strikers to injury at some point this campaign and could also be without John McCombe and Ryan Astles after the duo picked up knocks vs Torquay United.
Player to watch: Lucas Dawson
Ex-Stoke City youngster Lucas Dawson joined Chester in March and has started this season in fine form with three goals in seven matches. The 23 year-old midfielder could be the catalyst for any turnaround in The Blues’ fortunes.
Match Facts & Stats
SOLIHULL MOORS – 23rd
Overall: Played 7; Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 5; For 7, Against 15, GD -8; Points 4
Most starts: Carline, Carter, Kelleher & Murombedzi – 7
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 2
Worst discipline: Tristan Dunkley – 3 yellow cards
Chester – 21st
Overall: Played 7; Won 1, Drawn 4, Lost 2; For 7, Against 9, GD -2; Points 7
Most starts: Astles, Dawson, Halls, James, Mahon, McCombe, Rowe-Turner – 7
Most goals: Lucas Dawson – 3
Worst discipline: Phil Turnbull – 2 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Thomas Bramall
Location: Sheffield
National League matches officiated 17/18: 1
Yellow cards produced: 2
Red cards produced: 0
Penalties given: 0
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: 28/01/2017 – Solihull Moors 2-0 Maidstone United
Assistant referees: Peter Sporne and Alan Hull
Fourth official: Mark Howes
Match Prediction:
SOLIHULL MOORS 2-1 Chester
Next Fixtures:
09/09/2017 – Macclesfield Town (H) – 15:00
12/09/2017 – Woking (A) – 19:45
16/09/2017 – Bromley (A) – 15:00
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
