Our only previous fixture with Hartlepool United epitomised the soft underbelly of the Solihull Moors side that began this season.
As part of a run of seven straight fixtures (from memory) in which we conceded a goal in the final ten minutes of a game, The Moors had done brilliantly in front of a record home crowd to embarrass The Monkey Hangers and earn a precious point.
In the 94th minute, Jonathan Franks sneaked in at the near post and headed a winner that sunk the hearts of the home support. It was gutting. The story of our season.
Mark Yates has gotten rid of such doubts in the side. We are now going to Hartlepool expecting to come away with at least a point, going for all three – even in spite of winning 2 of our 11 away games under the gaffer.
Hartlepool come into the game in decent form but a run of 2 draws and 3 victories was surprisingly halted at home to Guiseley who came away with a 1-0 win.
A little part of me believes this has the potential to be a cracking game. Hopefully we can put away a couple of big chances and steal the three points.
Let`s get out of this relegation zone!
Vital Quotes:
Jamie Reckord is expecting survival:
“I feel like no matter who we play, I always feel like we`re going to win. We`re going into every game thinking we`re going to win. If you go in at half-time and it`s 0-0, there`s always a chance and we`re always in the game. The belief is up there and the gaffer has been really positive so that`s helped us as well.
“Everyone`s got to leave everything on the pitch and no one can shy away from anything now. We`re in the situation we`re in and we`ve just got to deal with that. I feel like if we stick together like we have done over the last few months, we`ll get out of there with ease. For me personally, I don`t feel like we`re going to go down at all.”
Hartlepool United Team News:
Darren Carter could return to the starting XI having missed out against Aldershot Town. Yates has a much stronger forward line and opt to make a change after two goalless draws.
Player to watch: Fiacre Kelleher
Fiacre Kelleher has gone under the radar recently with Liam Daly alongside him but the on-loan Oxford United youngster has played a starring role in recent fixtures.
Solihull Moors Team News:
Caretaker boss Matthew Bates is hopeful Liam Donnelly can return. Ryan Donaldson did return on Monday after a long-standing ankle problem but Scott Harrison, Luke George and Kenton Richardson are all out. Aaron Cunningham could return.
Player to watch: Michael Woods
With 11 goals this season, including a double away at Maidstone United last Friday, Michael Woods is very much the man to watch in this Hartlepool United side.
Match Facts & Stats
Hartlepool United – 16th
Overall record: Played 41; Won 12, Drawn 12, Lost 17; For 48, Against 59, GD -11; Points 48
Last at home: Played 6; Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 3; For 5, Against 7, GD -2; Points 7
Most starts: Scott Loach – 41
Most goals: Michael Woods – 11
Worst discipline: Carl Magnay – 8 yellow cards and 1 red card
SOLIHULL MOORS – 21st
Overall record: Played 40; Won 10, Drawn 11, Lost 19; For 40, Against 53, GD -13; Points 41
Last six away: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 3, Lost 2; For 5, Against 5, GD 0; Points 6
Most starts: Darren Carter – 39
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 11
Worst discipline: Darren Carter and Jamey Osborne – 6 yellow cards and 1 red card
Ref Watch:
Referee: Joseph Johnson
Location: Liverpool
National League matches officiated 17/18: 14
Yellow cards produced: 48
Red cards produced: 3
Penalties awarded: 3
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: Solihull Moors 3-3 Braintree Town – 11/03/2017
Assistant referees: Ben Atkinson and Nicholas Hawksby
Fourth official: Jack Hall
Match Prediction:
Hartlepool United 1-2 Solihull Moors
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors remaining fixtures:
10/04/2018 – Maidstone United (H)
14/04/2018 – Guiseley (H)
21/04/2018 – AFC Fylde (A)
24/04/2018 – Tranmere Rovers (A)
28/04/2018 – Eastleigh (H)
