It may have been the FA Trophy but Solihull Moors seeing off Tranmere Rovers 2-0 in such comfortable feels like the biggest step in the right direction we have had since Mark Yates & Tim Flowers joined the club.
It was a performance that had everything from our point of view. Defensively it was organised from back to front, denying Tranmere time on the ball and keeping hold of the ball when possession was retained. There were players driving forward from midfield in support of a front three that continued to switch positions and hurt our opposition in behind. It was a joy to watch and the two goals were superb.
Jermaine Hylton`s red card was the only downside but he could be replaced by Jack Storer, a player who should thrive at this level if he focuses on the football and nothing else.
Ben Frempah has also joined the club and could replace Fiacre Kelleher in the starting XI should Yates see fit to. James Bowen, Darren Carter and Wes Atkinson will hope to return though Jamie Reckord, Kristian Green and Shepherd Murombedzi did well on Monday night.
Boreham Wood have thrived this season, sitting 7th in the National League table and proving to be a very difficult side to beat. However their fans must understand that the side we have assembled now is far stronger than the side they thrashed 4-1 back in August.
We`re going to be up for this one.
Vital Quotes:
Captain Darren Carter talks up the impact of Mark Yates and Tim Flowers:
“Since the gaffer and Tim`s arrival they have really driven home that exact message – continue this momentum and will we improve our situation and start moving away from danger. Performance levels have risen and as a result points have been put on the board. We as players know it`s going to take that same attitude and application over the rest of the way.”
Solihull Moors Team News:
Darren Carter will return to the Solihull Moors squad after his one-match suspension was completed on Monday. Ben Frempah has joined the club on a permament deal while Jack Storer has moved from Birmingham City on a one-month loan. Joel Kettle is unavailable having joined Tamworth on a one-month loan. Jermaine Hylton is suspended for the next three matches.
Player to watch: Jack Storer
Jack Storer is a player of unquestionable talent, a striker whose capabilities of playing at Championship level. If he keeps his head in check (a big if) then he could set the National League alight for the next month.
Boreham Wood Team News:
Luke Garrard could make changes after being taken to extra-time against Dartford in midweek. Blair Turgott has signed permanently after a loan spell while Noah Chesmain (Millwall) and Aaron Jarvis (Luton Town) has joined on short-term loans.
Player to watch: Kane Smith
I sat in the Boreham Wood end at Coventry City a couple of weeks back and Kane Smith was a player that stood out. An energetic, attack-minded wing-back who gave it everything despite the scoreline.
Match Facts & Stats
Solihull Moors – 24th
Overall record: Played 24; Won 4, Drawn 4, Lost 16; For 21, Against 42, GD -21; Points 16
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 4; For 4, Against 12, GD -8; Points 4
Most starts: Darren Carter – 23
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 8
Worst discipline: Darren Carter – 5 yellow cards and 1 red card
Boreham Wood – 7th
Overall record: Played 23; Won 10, Drawn 8, Lost 5; For 34, Against 22, GD 12; Points 38
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 1; For 8, Against 4, GD 4; Points 9
Most starts: Grant Smith – 23
Most goals: Bruno Andrade – 10
Worst discipline: Bruno Andrade, David Stephens & Mark Ricketts – 3 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Savvas Yianni
Location: Weston Super Mare
National League matches officiated 17/18: 11
Yellow cards produced: 32
Red cards produced: 1
Penalties awarded: 2
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: Torquay United 1-2 Solihull Moors – 26/08/2017
Assistant referees: Gareth Hubbard & Mark Billingham
Fourth official: Wayne Chalmers
Match Prediction:
Solihull Moors 1-1 Boreham Wood
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
26.12.2017 – Maidenhead United (A) – NAL
30.12.2017 – Barrow (A) – NAL
01.01.2017 – Maidenhead United (H) – NAL
06.01.2017 – Macclesfield Town (A) – NAL
13.01.2017 – Gainsborough Trinity/Spennymoor Town (A) – FAT
20.01.2017 – Woking (H) – NAL
