Match Report: Solihull Moors Strollers 2-0 Hartshill Strollers
Solihull Moors Strollers secured a well-earned victory over Hartshill Strollers in a tightly contested match, with both sides showing determination and flashes of quality. Brendan Mulcahy proved to be the decisive figure, scoring both goals for Solihull in an exciting first half.
The game began with both teams sizing each other up, but it was Solihull who found the breakthrough midway through the opening period. Awarded a free-kick just outside the box, Mulcahy stepped up and unleashed a powerful strike that left the Hartshill goalkeeper with no chance, putting Solihull 1-0 ahead.
Buoyed by their lead, Solihull doubled their advantage not long after. A fluid team move saw Paul Clarke break free down the left flank. Clarke delivered a precise cut-back across the box, where Mulcahy was perfectly positioned to slot home his second goal of the game, capping off a brilliant attacking sequence.
The second half saw Hartshill push to find a way back into the game. Both teams created opportunities, with Hartshill looking dangerous on the counter and Solihull threatening to extend their lead. However, the goalkeepers at both ends were in fine form, pulling off several key saves to keep the scoreline intact.
Despite Hartshill's best efforts, Solihull’s defence held firm, and the game ended 2-0, earning the Moors a deserved win. Mulcahy’s clinical finishing and the team’s disciplined display were the highlights of an engaging match.
Solihull will take confidence from this performance as they look ahead to their next challenge, while Hartshill can be encouraged by their resilience and work rate despite the defeat.
Venue: Coleshill Town
Competition: Birmingham County Walking Football Premier League
Conditions: Wet and Windy
In challenging conditions, South Birmingham Galacticos edged a closely contested match to secure a 1-0 victory over Solihull Moors. Played in relentless wind and rain, the match was a test of both teams’ resilience, with South Birmingham ultimately emerging as deserved winners.
The game was a battle of attrition, with Solihull struggling to find their rhythm. South Birmingham disrupted their usually fluent passing game with a determined and organised display. Solihull were restricted to speculative long-range efforts, none of which seriously troubled the Galacticos’ goalkeeper.
The decisive moment came midway through the second half when South Birmingham’s striker capitalised on a rare opening. Shooting from the right-hand side, the striker found the back of the net past Solihull’s goalkeeper Carl Clinton, who had made several excellent saves to keep his side in the contest until that point. The goal was a fair reflection of South Birmingham’s pressure and attacking intent.
Despite the loss, Carl Clinton stood out for Solihull with a series of fine saves that kept the scoreline respectable. However, the rest of the team struggled to impose themselves on the game, with South Birmingham’s defence expertly nullifying Solihull’s attacking threats.
For Solihull, it was a day to forget. They will need to regroup, analyse their performance, and look to rediscover their form ahead of their next match against Hartshill Strollers on 8th December. With adjustments and renewed focus, they will aim to bounce back from this setback.
In difficult conditions, South Birmingham Galacticos demonstrated the determination and discipline needed to win tight matches, while Solihull Moors will view this as a missed opportunity. Sometimes, it’s just a bad day at the office.
Coleshill Strollers maintained their perfect start to the season with a 3-0 victory over Solihull Moors, thanks to an inspired performance by Nathan Hudson, who netted all three goals in a memorable hat trick. The match was anticipated as a tightly contested fixture, with both sides entering the game boasting 100% records.
First Half Highlights:
Solihull Moors began the game on the front foot, showcasing fluid and cohesive attacking football. The quartet of Phil Clinton, Craig Smithurst, Brendan Maxwell, and Andy Powers moved the ball with precision, linking up seamlessly to feed striker Brendan Mulcahy. Despite their dominant spells, Moors found themselves unable to capitalise on their chances, with Mulcahy and Powers both being denied by the Coleshill keeper.
The breakthrough came against the run of play. A rare lapse in Solihull’s defensive concentration opened the door for Hudson, who seized the moment with a clinical finish that left goalkeeper Carl Clinton with no chance. Just minutes later, Hudson doubled Coleshill’s advantage. outmanoeuvring defender Mick Cox, Hudson unleashed a well-placed shot into the bottom corner to give Coleshill a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Second Half Action:
Determined to claw their way back into the match, Solihull Moors started the second half with renewed energy. Brendan Maxwell and Craig Smithurst led the charge, both testing Coleshill’s goalkeeper with well-struck attempts, only to be denied by a series of outstanding saves that kept the Moors at bay.
In a bid to change the game’s trajectory, Solihull introduced Paul Clarke for his Premier League debut, opting for a more aggressive two-striker formation. The move initially gave Moors a burst of attacking momentum, but Coleshill’s defence, anchored by their confident goalkeeper, stood firm.
The game was sealed when Hudson completed his hat trick in style. Demonstrating impeccable skill, he executed a sharp turn to evade his marker before slotting home a composed finish, cementing Coleshill’s 3-0 victory and a masterful individual performance.
Summary:
While the scoreline was harsh on Solihull Moors, who displayed periods of dominance and creative football, the difference ultimately lay in Coleshill’s clinical finishing and goalkeeping heroics. Nathan Hudson’s hat trick proved decisive, showcasing why Coleshill are early favorites in this season’s campaign. Solihull can hold their heads high, knowing they matched their opponents in all but the final moments.
Their resolve will be tested, but they remain eager to bounce back in their next fixture.
Solihull Moors Strollers 2 Birmingham WFC 0
Sunday 27th October 2024
Solihull Moors Strollers delivered a commanding performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Birmingham WFC in a well-fought match. From the outset, the Strollers took control, showcasing disciplined, well-coordinated play and exhibiting dominance in all areas of the pitch.
Brendan Mulcahy was instrumental in the win, contributing two superb assists, highlighting his sharp playmaking skills and vision. His assists set up Karl Insley and Phil Clinton for the two decisive goals, both strikes a result of the team’s fluid inter-play and synchronised movement. Despite Mulcahy’s relentless efforts and numerous shots on target, Birmingham’s goalkeeper, their standout performer, pulled off impressive saves to keep the scoreline within reach for his side.
Solihull’s midfield, marshaled by Craig Smithurst and Phil Clinton, exhibited excellent control, dictating the tempo and keeping Birmingham under pressure. Karl Insley anchored the midfield effectively, shielding the backline and providing a solid platform for the Moors’ quick-passing game. On the flanks, Andy Powers and Brendan Maxwell provided width and pace, constantly challenging Birmingham’s defence and trying to outrun their fast-paced opponents, particularly the fleet-footed Walker.
The defensive unit, led by Mick Cox and Tony Newton, displayed resilience and composure, snuffing out Birmingham’s advances and maintaining a cohesive structure at the back. Their teamwork in defence ensured that Birmingham struggled to find clear opportunities, allowing Solihull to confidently build from the back and transition smoothly into their attack.
Special mention goes to Pete Hurrell, who not only played at 2:30 but also stepped up to coach in the final 15 minutes. His contribution both on and off the pitch underscored his commitment, proving invaluable as he managed the team through to the final whistle, helping secure a late kickoff victory.
Overall, this was a solid, all-round team performance from the Strollers, with every player contributing to a hard-earned victory.
Birmingham County Walking Football League Cup Final
Solihull Moors Strollers 1 South Birmingham Galacticos 1 (South Birmingham Galacticos win 5-4 on penalties)
Sunday 22nd September 2024
In a tense and fiercely contested Birmingham County Walking Football League Cup clash, South Birmingham Galacticos emerged victorious, edging past Solihull Moors Foundation 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
The match began with Solihull Moors on the front foot, as they dominated the early exchanges. Brendan Mulcahy looked dangerous throughout the first half, coming close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions. However, the Galacticos' goalkeeper put on an outstanding performance, keeping his side in the game with a string of crucial saves. Mulcahy appeared to have put Moors ahead, but his goal was ruled out due to a running infringement.
In the second half, South Birmingham Galacticos began to find their rhythm, stringing together some excellent build-up play that culminated in the game’s opening goal, taken with composure by their forward. Solihull Moors pressed hard in search of an equaliser, and their persistence paid off when Brendan Mulcahy finally found the back of the net late in the game, bringing his side level.
In the dying moments, Phil Clinton had a golden opportunity to seal the win for Solihull, but the Galacticos' goalkeeper once again proved his worth, pulling off a critical save to send the match into penalties.
In the shootout, both sides held their nerve, but it was South Birmingham Galacticos who prevailed 5-4, clinching the win to secure the trophy. Solihull Moors Foundation would like to extend their congratulations to South Birmingham Galacticos on their hard-fought victory.
Manager: Pete Hurrell/Paul Clarke
Coach: Carl Clinton
Squad: Tony Newton, Karl Insley, Craig Smithurst, Brendan Mulcahy, Andy Powers, Mick Cox, Phil Clinton, Brendan Maxwell.
Unavailable: Carl Clinton, Eddie Taylor, Paul Clarke, Steve Judd.
League Cup Final Preview
Sunday 22nd September 2024
The 2024 Over 50’s Walking Football League Cup Final is set to be a thrilling encounter as Solihull Moors Strollers face off against South Birmingham Galacticos. Both teams have had contrasting starts to this year’s campaign, with Solihull Moors cruising to a commanding 4-1 victory over Shrewsbury 99'ers, while South Birmingham Galacticos were handed a tough 3-0 defeat by Oxford Rovers.
Looking at past form, Solihull Moors finished runners-up in the Premier League last season and will be aiming to carry their momentum from successful summer tournaments at Corby Town and Fulham's Motspur Park into this final. On the other hand, South Birmingham Galacticos, who rebranded from Cadbury Athletic and finished 5th last season, will be determined to put their league struggles behind them and rise to the occasion.
Despite Solihull's strong standing, the unpredictability of cup football makes this final an exciting and open contest. With both teams vying for glory, it promises to be a match full of drama and passion.
Manager: Pete Hurrell/Paul Clarke
Coach: Carl Clinton
Squad: Tony Newton, Karl Insley, Craig Smithurst, Brendan Mulcahy, Andy Powers, Mick Cox, Phil Clinton, Brendan Maxwell.
Unavailable: Carl Clinton, Eddie Taylor, Paul Clarke, Steve Judd.
Solihull Moors beat Shrewsbury 99’ers 4-1 last time out.
Corby Town Tournament Success
Fulham Tournament Success
South Birmingham Galacticos (formerly known as Cadbury Athletic) secure a spot in the final
South Birmingham Galacticos
Solihull Moors Strollers 4 Shrewsbury 99’ers 1
Sunday 8th September 2024
In a fixture historically known for its tight battles, Solihull Moors emerged victorious with a convincing 4-1 win over Shrewsbury 99'ers. Despite the scoreline, the match was competitive throughout, with both goalkeepers making crucial saves early on to keep the game balanced.
The breakthrough came when Brendan Maxwell was tackled from behind while clean through on goal. Phil Clinton stepped up to calmly dispatch the resulting penalty, giving Moors a deserved 1-0 lead. The first half saw Moors dominate possession, but Shrewsbury’s goalkeeper made some fantastic stops to keep his team in the contest. At halftime, it remained 1-0 to the Moors.
Shrewsbury came out strong after the break, but solid defending from Mick Cox and Karl Insley, along with support from the Moors’ midfield, limited Shrewsbury to long-distance shots. As the half wore on, Moors began to regain control and pressed Shrewsbury back. Brendan Maxwell played a key role again, releasing Craig Smithurst, who expertly finished to double the lead at 2-0.
Moors continued to push forward, and a loose ball in the box was picked up by Andy Powers, who drilled home the third. Moments later, a quick one-two from a kick-in saw Powers score his second, extending the lead to 4-0.
Shrewsbury managed a consolation goal in the closing minutes, with Andy Partington, returning after 18 months of injury troubles, prodding home to make it 4-1.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive win for Solihull Moors, who dominated in key moments and showed resilience in defence.
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