At the start of the season, a run of Aldershot Town, Tranmere Rovers then Hartlepool United was enough to put the fear of God into Solihull Moors fans hopeful of survival.
To earn a point against Aldershot Town was impressive. To earn all three at Hartlepool United was a huge boost. They might not be the force expected of them this season but to travel up north against one of the biggest clubs in the division and earn three points is huge.
And we’re out of the bottom four for the first time this season. How good does that feel?
The onus is very much on us to secure our own survival now. If we beat Maidstone United tonight, we overtake them in the National League table. If results go our way, we could be 18th by 10 o’clock tonight and six points clear of safety.
We’ve enjoyed some success against Maidstone United since both clubs won promotion. We did the double over The Stones last season and came from behind to earn a point in Mark Yates’ first league game in charge.
Come on you Moors!
Vital Quotes:
Yates praises his team’s, and Adi Yussuf’s, performance:
“I thought that we totally deserved it. We got exactly what we deserved from the game. My players were outstanding and we bossed the game from start to finish. How we`ve not scored seven, eight or nine I don`t know, but that`s what we are. We got our reward in the end.’
‘Adi is beating himself up in there because he`s missed a couple of chances, but all I`ve said to him is play with that smile on your face and your luck will turn. After about the 15th chance he had, finally his luck turned. I`m delighted for him. That game could`ve been out of sight at half-time and we`ve allowed them to make it a game in the second-half, but we were really good today.”
Solihull Moors Team News:
Solihull Moors will be without Liam Daly after the centre-back was given a straight red card on Saturday. It’s likely that Kristian Green will replace him in the starting XI.
Player to watch: Fiacre Kelleher
Fiacre Kelleher and Liam Daly have been brilliant together since Mark Yates joined the club. Without the experienced Daly alongside him, all eyes will be on Kelleher in defence.
Maidstone United Team News:
I’m unable to find any team news on Maidstone United ahead of this one. They drew with Guiseley last time out so a change or two could be in the offing.
Player to watch: Ross Lafayette
While Ricky Miller took the plaudits for his hat-trick, Ross Lafayette was a right handful for The Moors backline in a 3-2 loss last season. With 3 goals in 10 games so far for Maidstone, he’s the man to watch.
Match Facts & Stats
Solihull Moors – 20th
Overall record: Played 41; Won 11, Drawn 11, Lost 19; For 41, Against 53, GD -12; Points 44
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 3, Drawn 3, Lost 0; For 9, Against 3, GD +6; Points 12
Most starts: Darren Carter – 40
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 11
Worst discipline: Darren Carter and Jamey Osborne – 6 yellow cards and 1 red card
Maidstone United – 18th
Overall record: Played 42; Won 11, Drawn 14, Lost 17; For 48, Against 62, GD -14; Points 47
Last six away: Played 6; Won 0, Drawn 2, Lost 4; For 4, Against 8, GD -4; Points 2
Most starts: Lee Worgan – 42
Most goals: Joe Pigott – 11
Worst discipline: Stuart Lewis – 7 yellow cards, 2 red cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Paul Marsden
Location: Lancashire
National League matches officiated 17/18: 18
Yellow cards produced: 71
Red cards produced: 8
Penalties awarded: 10
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: Solihull Moors 3-1 Maidenhead United – 01/01/2018
Assistant referees: Sunny Gill and Martin Underhay
Fourth official: Jason Connolly
Match Prediction:
Solihull Moors 2-0 Maidstone United
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ remaining fixtures:
14.04.2018 – Guiseley (H) – 15:00
21.04.2018 – AFC Fylde (A) – 15:00
24.04.2018 – Tranmere Rovers (A) – 19:45
28.04.2018 – Eastleigh (H) – 15:00
