Match Preview

St. Ledger Returns To The ATG

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Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Hartlepool United was huge. Beating Maidstone United on Tuesday night by the same scoreline was even bigger.

What made Tuesday so impressive, as Tim Flowers eluded to afterwards, was how we were forced into three changes across the back four yet every player stood up to their tasks and led by example. We barely lost a header all night. There was a no-nonsense approach and when Maidstone tried to go direct towards the end, they stood up manfully to attack the ball and get rid.

With Liam Daly still unavailable, a similar performance will be required this Saturday as Guiseley come to visit.

Sean St.Ledger is in charge at Guiseley these days and he has had a huge say in The Moors’ battle for the drop by earning three points away at Hartlepool United and a point against Maidstone United.

The ex-Ireland international, who played for Moors against Wycombe Wanderers this season, may still have a huge say in the outcome of this season’s relegation battle – they play Barrow, Woking and Torquay United after playing The Moors.

The hope is that they can achieve three wins and give Moors even more breathing space above the bottom three. However, survival is now well and truly in our own hands and victory on Saturday will take us to 50 points.

Come on you Moors!

Vital Quotes:

Tim Flowers can’t speak highly enough of Moors’ defensive qualities:

“I thought that Carline and Green coming in who hadn`t had a lot of pitch time were absolutely magnificent. Fiacre Kelleher and Tyrone Williams were also magnificent at the heart of the defence – I don`t think they lost a header all evening. Our midfield boys hoovered up the seconds, burst past people and caused problems going the other way. Our front three were just a massive handful and our lads looked very powerful.’

“If you`re going to base a team that`s going to do anything, it`ll be based from the back. That`s been, touch wood, very tight. The clean sheet record is there for everyone to look at. It`s not like our goalkeeper is getting peppered left, right and centre. The people in front of him are doing a fantastic job and when we`ve needed Max (O`Leary) at places like Halifax, he`s come up with big saves for us.’

“It`s a team effort. We start defending from the front and that triggers through the team.”

Solihull Moors Team News:

Solihull Moors will again be without Liam Daly for the visit of Guiseley but do hope to see Jamie Reckord return to the squad following injury.

Player to watch: Kristian Green

Kristian Green made a rare start on Tuesday night and showed his mettle with a fine performance at left-back. With Daly still suspended, Green is likely to be relied upon again this Saturday.

Guiseley Team News:

Guiseley will again be without John Rooney as the midfielder serves the final game of his ban for an on-field reaction to a red card received against FC Halifax Town.

Player to watch: Kayode Odejayi

The inexperienced Moors backline will be in for another tough test on Saturday and the experience Kayode Odejayi will hope to make his power count.

Match Facts & Stats

Solihull Moors – 20th

Overall record: Played 42; Won 12, Drawn 11, Lost 19; For 42, Against 53, GD -11; Points 47
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 3, Drawn 3, Lost 0; For 7, Against 3, GD +4; 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

Guiseley – 24th

Overall record: Played 40; Won 6, Drawn 12, Lost 22; For 34, Against 72, GD -38; Points 30
Last six away: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 5; For 5, Against 12, GD -7; Points 3
Most starts: Ashley Palmer – 31
Most goals: John Rooney and Rowan Liburd – 5
Worst discipline: John Rooney – 5 yellow cards, 1 red card

Ref Watch:

Referee: Savvas Yianni
Location: Weston Super Mare

National League matches officiated 17/18: 19
Yellow cards produced: 57
Red cards produced: 2
Penalties awarded: 6
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: Solihull Moors 0-0 Boreham Wood – 23/12/2017

Assistant referees: Matthew Law and Mark Billingham
Fourth official: Mark Howes

Match Prediction:

Solihull Moors 2-0 Guiseley

Next Fixtures:

Solihull Moors’ remaining fixtures:

21.04.2018 – AFC Fylde (A) – 15:00
24.04.2018 – Tranmere Rovers (A) – 19:45
28.04.2018 – Eastleigh (H) – 15:00

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Co-Editor - Vital Solihull Moors

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