While today will not determine the fates of Torquay United or Solihull Moors, there is no getting around the fact that this game is HUGE.
Victory for Solihull Moors today could see us leapfrog Barrow and Hartlepool United, if results go our way, into 19th or 20th and out of the relegation zone for the first time this season. We will also put eight points distance between ourselves and Torquay.
Defeat will see Torquay United, the side directly below us, sit two points behind us as they bid to haul themselves out of the relegation zone. It will ensure we have another side to worry about as we attempt to exit the dropzone.
The form tables read quite well for both clubs. Torquay United referenced our one win in five matches on their website but failed to note us being unbeaten in seven at home, winning three of the last four, only failing to beat Wrexham in a game we dominated.
Torquay, meanwhile, earned a huge three points last time out at Leyton Orient. They have won three of their last six, notable losing just one of their last four away fixtures.
Yet form is just numbers today. This will be a nervous, potentially cagey affair that will see both sides doing their utmost not to make a mistake. Today is all about the result and you suspect both sets of players know it.
It`s small margins at this point of the season. Performances are beginning to mean less and less as results become of paramount importance. Having dropped 2 critical points so naively on Wednesday, our boys need to show their mettle and earn a huge three points today.
COME ON YOU MOORS!
Vital Quotes:
Mark Yates was unimpressed at his side conceding an injury time equaliser in midweek:
“There`s no point me going in there and milking it and going ‘well done lads`. They know how well they played but we`ve not won a game. We`ve not won a game when we had a chance tonight to get out of the bottom four.”
“We were excellent. We had chances. I am just really disappointed, really fuming. The supporters made a big trip up and for us to just do that, they care in there but I`m just disappointed.”
Solihull Moors Team News:
Adi Yussuf is available after suspension giving Mark Yates a selection headache up top – his replacement Alex Reid scored in midweek. Romario Martin is likely to drop out of the squad.
Player to watch: Jamie Reckord
Any player with an afro is worth watching but Jamie Reckord has quietly gone about his business impressively since joining on a free transfer. His delivery is often on point and he is very much one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Torquay United Team News:
Rhys Healey is expected to make his Torquay United debut having surprisingly joined the South West outfit on loan this week. Josh Gowling is unavailable with concussion.
Player to watch: Rhys Healey
Adding a player of Rhys Healey`s ilk at this stage of the season is most impressive. The youngster has featured 12 times for Cardiff in the last two seasons and scored 6 in 17 for League Two Newport County last season.
Match Facts & Stats
Solihull Moors – 21st
Overall record: Played 36; Won 9, Drawn 8, Lost 19; For 37, Against 52, GD -15; Points 35
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 4, Drawn 2, Lost 0; For 10, Against 3, GD 7; Points 14
Most starts: Darren Carter – 36
Most goals: Oladapo Afolayan – 11
Worst discipline: Darren Carter – 5 yellow cards and 1 red card
Torquay United – 22nd
Overall record: Played 34; Won 7, Drawn 9, Lost 21; For 33, Against 61, GD -28; Points 30
Last six away: Played 6; Won 2, Drawn 1, Lost 3; For 4, Against 9, GD -5; Points 7
Most starts: Luke Young and Sean McGinty – 37
Most goals: Luke Young and Jamie Reid – 5
Worst discipline: Sean McGinty – 7 yellow cards
Ref Watch:
Referee: Neil Hair
Location: Cambridgeshire
National League matches officiated 17/18: 21
Yellow cards produced: 71
Red cards produced: 1
Penalties awarded: 6
Last time in charge of Solihull Moors: Solihull Moors 0-2 Tranmere Rovers – 28/08/2017
Assistant referees: Lee Grimsey and Alan Hull
Fourth official: Richie Watkins
Match Prediction:
Solihull Moors 2-1 Torquay United
Next Fixtures:
Solihull Moors’ next six fixtures:
20/03/2018 – Bromley (H) – NAL
24/03/2018 – Halifax Town (A) – NAL
30/03/2018 – Aldershot Town (H) – NAL
02/04/2018 – Tranmere Rovers (A) – NAL
07/04/2018 – Hartlepool United (A) – NAL
10/04/2018 – Maidstone United (H) – NAL
