If anybody ever needed proof of the team spirit at Solihull Moors under Liam McDonald then last Saturday was just that.
There is no question that a youthful Moors team struggled with the physicality of their opposition but the fightback was tremendous gaining a point from an improbable position and doing enough overall to perhaps have won the game in the finish.
Saturday’s opponents will bring back good memories for McDonald who earned his first three points in the reverse fixture back in November thanks to a double from Akwasi Asante. Last season’s National League North play-off victors were always going to be the front runners in the relegation odds and it’s impressive enough that they remain in with a shout of survival at all.
After all, their ground holds just 2700, they have averaged around 660 per game this season (only Boreham Wood average less fans per game) and the town is populated by around 4000 occupants. As a club it doesn’t come much smaller in National League history than the Humberside outfit.
Before last weekend’s defeat at Bromley the Villagers beat Woking and Guiseley to take them off the bottom of the table and in with a fighting chance. There is no question that the youthful group will provide a test for McDonald’s men despite their lowly position and a strong start is definitely required in the circumstances.
And if there was any thoughts about not being up for the game, victory could us level on points with 12th Boreham Wood and more importantly ten points ahead of 21st place Woking. Ten games left and every point is huge.
Vital Quotes:
Solihull Moors boss Liam McDonald talks underdogs and squad leaders:
I think that both Moors and North Ferriby were tipped as relegation contenders from the outset and the ‘Villagers’ are fighting for their lives in this division. We desperately need three points as well from Saturday which will bring us so very close to safety. Having said that, full credit to both our clubs – small fish in a big pond!
No team has a divine right to stay in the National League and last Saturday was a clear indication that we need to be better in defence. I make no excuses but it was a hard match and we played Liam Daly despite his injury when he could have done with time for it to heal. However on the Thursday training session prior to the game Calum Flanagan picked up a nasty knock and the decision was taken out of my hands. Liam’s performance was inspirational!
Why do we sometimes play a lone striker up front? Simply because it gives us better options in midfield and in particular can prevent us from being over run whilst helping the team to keep its shape. I don’t usually highlight any one particular squad member but I would like to say a few words about Harry White. Harry is my first choice for the number 9 shirt and is a key member of the squad. He is the lone striker up front on many occasions, a difficult task but one to which he gives 100% and his finishing can be clinical. We look forward to having him back fully fit in a couple of weeks.
North Ferriby United Team News:
Unfortunately there is little in the way of team news from the club website or social media pages. However Taron Hare was given a straight red card against Bromley last weekend meaning the 20 year-old will miss this one.
Player to watch: Jake Skelton
North Ferriby United have a squad full of talented young footballers signed from around the Yorkshire and Humberside area and former Leeds United youth Jake Skelton who appears to be taking to regular football. He also played a key role in North Ferriby’s recent two victories scoring in both as the Villagers look to survive.
Solihull Moors Team News:
McDonald is hopeful that Calum Flanagan and Liam Daly are available to overcome recent injury niggles to start yet another key fixture. Connor Franklin is ‘now ready to rejoin the squad’ according to the boss but Brown remains a week or so away. Jack Byrne faces the last game of his three-game ban and Harry White will also miss out due a knee injury.
Player to watch: Ashley Sammons
Saturday was the first time I had witnessed Ashley Sammons from the start in a Moors shirt and it’s fair to say I was not disappointed. Despite being a newbie he was demanding the ball, demanding more of his team-mates and often made the right decisions in possession helping his new side take the bull by the horns and press the opposition. As for his delivery from set-pieces – you’ll have to witness that for yourself.
Match Facts & Stats
North Ferriby United – 23rd
Overall: Played 37; Won 10, Drawn 3, Lost 24; For 23, Against 56, GD -33; Points 33
Last six at home: Played 6; Won 1, Drawn 0, Lost 5; For 3, Against 11; GD -8; Points 3
Most starts: Taron Hare – 33
Most goals: Reece Thompson – 8
Worst discipline: Ben Middleton – 7 yellow cards, 2 red cards
SOLIHULL MOORS – 15th
Overall: Played 36; Won 12, Drawn 9, Lost 15; For 48, Against 52, GD -4; Points 45
Last six away: Played 6; Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 1; For 9, Against 6; GD +3; Points 9
Most starts: Liam Daly – 35
Most goals: Akwasi Asante – 11
Worst discipline: Jack Byrne – 7 yellow cards, 1 red card
Ref Watch:
Referee: Peter Wright
National League matches officated this season: 10
Yellow cards produced: 32
Red cards produced: 1
Last fixture in charge of Solihull Moors: Chester 0-3 Solihull Moors
Referees assistants: Hristo Karaivanov and Richard Woodward
Fourth official: David Hunt
Match Prediction:
North Ferriby United 0-2 SOLIHULL MOORS
Next Fixtures:
Forest Green Rovers (A) – 21.03.2017 – 19:45
Barrow (H) – 25.03.2017 – 15:00pm
Torquay United (H) – 28.03.2017 – 19:45pm
Aldershot Town (H) – 01.04.2017 – 15:00pm
Tranmere Rovers (A) – 08.04.2017 – 15:00pm
York City (H) – 14.04.2017 – 15:00pm
