In our current plight, any result is a good result. A result away from home against a side sitting in the play-off positions is a very good result.
Mark Yates was delighted with his new side’s character after clawing back a deficit to earn a point at Maidstone United on Saturday and he will no doubt be hoping for similar performances this week with Wrexham and Gateshead on the horizon.
Wrexham represent the kind of opponents that we became stuck against towards the end of last season. An awkward, dogged outfit who are strong aerially and keep the game simple. You have to match their work ethic and take your chances when they come.
This is a side that have conceded just 12 goals from 20 games this season. At the back they possess real quality and leadership in the form of Manny Smith and Shaun Pearson, the latter a former promotion winner at this level.
Liam McDonald always said we were good for a goal, however, and he’s not wrong. With George Carline fully fit again and options in the form of Kwame Thomas, Akwasi Asante, Jermaine Hylton and top scorer Oladapo Afolayan on the books, it’s fair to say that have the ability to hurt the opposition.
Another big performance in front of another big crowd will represent a huge boost as Yates looks to improve our lowly position quickly.
Vital Quotes:
Mark Yates was happy with his side’s character:
“Going 1-0 down after 50 seconds, I wasn`t best pleased with that. The lads have shown great character. We stuck in the game first-half, we weren`t at our best but I was pleased with the effort. I said to them at half-time that we can get something out of this if you believe in yourselves – and we did. We caused them problems and we were going for the win at the end, I`m delighted with that.
Wrexham Team News:
There is little in the news about injury updates for Wrexham. Given their recent form and the victory over Ebbsfleet United at the weekend, it’s hard to imagine there will be many changes.
Player to watch: Manny Smith
Wrexham were always going to be a difficult side to beat this term and the consistency of their defence has been key in their rise to 2nd spot in the National League. Key to that is Manny Smith who was a giant for Gateshead at the ATG last season.
Solihull Moors Team News:
Akwasi Asante came on and had an impact midweek meaning he could replace Oladapo Afolayan in the starting XI. Otherwise, changes are unlikely to the side that drew 1-1 at Maidstone United on Saturday.
Player to watch: Kwame Thomas
With his best two chances coming from poaching instincts inside the area, one being a debut goal, it’s fair to say that the early signs are promising for Kwame Thomas.
Match Facts & Stats
Wrexham – 2nd
Overall record: Played 20; Won 10, Drawn 6, Lost 4; For 19, Against 12, GD +7; Points 36
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 2, Drawn 4, Lost 0; For 8, Against 5, GD +3; Points 10
Most starts: Manny Smith – 20
Most goals: Chris Holroyd – 6
Worst discipline: Sam Wedgbury – 7 yellow cards and 1 red card
SOLIHULL MOORS -24th
Overall record: Played 20; Won 3, Drawn 3, Lost 14; For 19, Against 39, GD -20; Points 12
Last six away: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 4; For 5, Against 9, GD -4; Points 4
Most starts: Darren Carter – 20
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 8
Worst discipline: Shepherd Murombedzi – 5 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee:Simeon Lucas
Location: Lancashire
National League matches officiated 17/18:8
Yellow cards produced: 30
Red cards produced: 0
Penalties awarded: 1
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: Solihull Moors 1-2 Halifax Town – 28/04/2012 (It’s amazing how much you find out online!)
Assistant referees: David Hunt and Kenwyn Hughes
Fourth official: Carl Rooney
Match Prediction:
Wrexham 1-1 Solihull Moors
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
25/11/2017 – Gateshead (H) – NL
02/12/2017 – Leyton Orient (H) – NL
05/12/2017 – Hednesford Town (H) – BSC
09/12/2017 – Chester (A) – NL
23/12/2017 – Boreham Wood (H) – NL
26/12/2017 – Maidenhead United (A) – NL
