Nomads
Solihull Moors staged an impressive second-half comeback to edge past Nomads 2-1 in a closely-fought encounter. Glenn Page was the driving force behind Moors’ triumph, orchestrating their attacking play as they overturned a first-half deficit.
Nomads took the lead just before the break through Martin Geddes, whose precise finish from the left-hand side gave Nomads a deserved advantage. The strike highlighted the Nomads' early control, with Moors struggling to find rhythm in the opening 45 minutes.
However, the second half saw a rejuvenated Solihull Moors take to the field. Their persistence paid off when Steve Cox equalised, benefitting from some clever movement by Glenn Page and Paul Clarke. The duo pulled defenders wide, creating a space in the middle for Cox to exploit. His deflected shot left the goalkeeper stranded.
With momentum firmly on their side, Moors pressed for a winner. It came courtesy of the industrious Glenn Page, whose incisive through ball set up Paul Clarke. Clarke’s clinical left-footed strike nestled into the bottom corner.
Clarke almost added a third late on, but his shot cannoned off the inside of the post, denying him a brace and the Moors a more comfortable margin.
In the end, Solihull’s second-half resurgence proved decisive, with Glenn Page’s creative spark at the heart of their success.
Evesham United
In a lively and well-contested friendly at The Spiers and Hartwell Stadium, Solihull Moors edged out hosts Evesham with a 4-2 victory. Both teams showcased skillful football and maintained a positive, competitive spirit throughout the encounter. Solihull Moors extend their gratitude to Evesham for their hospitality in hosting the event.
The match was played under WFA rules, where four running offences result in a penalty. Paul Clarke, making his return after a 10-week absence due to a fractured fibula, looked poised to open the scoring early for Moors, only to have his goal ruled out for running. Soon after, Evesham accumulated four running offences, leading to a penalty that Clarke confidently converted, sending the keeper the wrong way to put Moors up 1-0.
Evesham quickly found their reply when Moors, too, were penalised for four running offences. Steve Carr stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick with precision, leveling the game at 1-1. Solihull Moors reclaimed their lead when Clarke set up Brendan Maxwell, whose sharp shot caught the Evesham keeper off guard, making it 2-1 at halftime.
After the break, Clarke thought he had netted another goal, but the referee disallowed it for encroaching into the area—a contentious decision as Clarke appeared to be outside the area. Solihull didn’t let the setback dampen their momentum and soon extended their lead when Martin Sibley capitalised on a parried shot from Jamie Mann, pushing the score to 3-1.
Evesham fought back valiantly and earned a second penalty after Moors committed another set of four running offences. Steve Carr stepped up once more and expertly converted, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. However, Solihull Moors secured the victory when Brendan Maxwell netted his second goal, capping off an entertaining evening with a 4-2 scoreline.
Tony Newton was solid in goal for Moors, remaining unbeaten from open play, thanks to the stalwart defensive work of debutant Neil Geeling and Tim Tyler. The midfield quartet of Phil Kay, Martin Sibley, Jamie Mann, and Phil Clinton orchestrated play brilliantly, showcasing deft passing and fluid movement throughout.
Solihull Moors leave Evesham with a hard-fought win and new friendships, reflecting the true spirit of the game.
Oxford/Wolves
Solihull Moors 2 Oxford 3
Sunday 11th August 2024 Kick-Off 2:00 PM
In a sun-soaked friendly encounter, Solihull Moors and Oxford delivered an entertaining match that saw the visitors emerge as narrow 3-2 victors.
Solihull Moors started the game on the front foot, taking the lead early in the first half. Paul Clarke calmly slotted home a penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Solihull 1-0 up. The hosts quickly doubled their advantage when Brendan Maxwell found Clarke with a precise pass, and the forward made no mistake, finishing smartly with his left foot.
However, Oxford United responded well to the early setback. The visitors gradually found their rhythm and managed to pull a goal back, setting up an intriguing contest. Oxford's persistence paid off as they found an equaliser, leveling the score at 2-2.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the latter stages of the match, creating several opportunities. It was Oxford who ultimately found the breakthrough, securing the win with a decisive third goal late in the game.
Despite the loss, Solihull Moors will take positives from their performance, especially their early dominance, while Oxford will be pleased with their resilience and eventual victory in this thrilling pre-season clash.
Solihull Moors 1 Wolves 1
Sunday 11th August 2024 Kick-Off 4:00 PM
Solihull Moors and Wolves Foundation played out an entertaining draw at Coleshill in a lively pre-season friendly.
After a goalless first half, Solihull Moors made a double substitution, introducing Paul Clarke and Craig Smithurst, who immediately injected energy into the game. Their impact was swift, with Smithurst providing a precise pass to Clarke on the edge of the box. Clarke took full advantage, placing a smart finish into the bottom corner to give Solihull the lead.
However, Wolves Foundation quickly responded, finding an equaliser to make it 1-1. Both teams pressed for a winner as the game opened up. Solihull’s trio of Billy Morrison, Craig Smithurst, and Paul Clarke linked up well, but they were largely limited to long-range efforts.
As the match wore on, Clarke and Smithurst combined once more, with Smithurst nearly snatching the victory. His powerful shot beat the keeper but agonisingly rebounded off the post, denying Solihull the win.
In the end, both sides had to settle for a draw in a match that showcased promising link-up play and competitive spirit, providing valuable preparation ahead of the new season.
Alcester Town
Solihull Moors 0 Alcester Town 2
Saturday 22nd June 2024 Kick-Off 11:00
Solihull Moors and Alcester Town squared off in a sun-soaked pre-season friendly in Solihull, with both teams showcasing their readiness for the upcoming campaign. In a game that saw Solihull players Paul Clarke and Martin Sibley temporarily donning Alcester colours as they prepare for the newly formed Worcester league, it was Alcester who emerged victorious.
Alcester Town took the lead midway through the first half. A well-worked free kick which led to a shot from Paul Clarke, intended to be a simple strike, took an unexpected turn when Alan Griffiths deftly redirected it into the bottom corner of the net, leaving Moors keeper Ian Southwell helpless.
The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after, capitalising on a momentary lapse in Solihull's defence. Alan Griffiths found space and fired a shot which was initially saved by Southwell. However, the rebound fell perfectly for Clarke, who made no mistake from distance with his left foot, sealing a 0-2 lead for Alcester.
Both teams exhibited moments of excellent play, with impressive movement and communication on display throughout the match. After the regular 60 minutes, an additional 30 minutes was played for fun, providing further entertainment.
In the extra time, Robert Jones of Alcester Town scored the standout goal of the game, a superb long-range finish into the bottom corner. The scoring was rounded off by Tim Tyler, who netted a well-taken goal for Solihull to cap off the afternoon.
Despite the friendly nature of the match, both teams can take positives from their performances. Ultimately, Alcester Town will be pleased to return to Warwickshire with a 0-2 victory, while Solihull Moors can be encouraged by their competitive display and moments of brilliance.
Both goalkeepers, Ian Southwell and David Platts, made excellent saves during the game.
Solihull Moors: Southwell, Hurrell, Tiwana, Morrison, Geddes, Coles, Judd, Tyler, Maloney, powers.
Alcester Town: Platts, Borriello, Jones, Brown, Kay, Sibley, Griffiths, Clarke.
Solihull Moors 🔴⚪️
Alcester Town 🔵⚫️
Blackwood
Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity Friendly
Solihull Moors WFC 3 Blackwood 2
Wednesday 19th December, 2023
19:00 Kick-Off
Solihull Moors Walking Football Club participated in their second friendly match in the space of four days, actively contributing to the ongoing fundraising campaign for Birmingham Children's Hospital.
In a hard-fought contest, Solihull Moors emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, showcasing notable goals from Paul Clarke (2) and Brendan Mulcahy. The team secured an early lead when Paul Clarke capitalised on some impressive build-up play down the left wing orchestrated by Bill Tiwana and Martin Geddes. Despite being pegged back to 1-1, Solihull Moors regained the lead as Brendan Mulcahy delivered an exceptional finish from distance. The opposition, Blackwood, once again equalised at 2-2, but a second-half goal from Paul Clarke, skillfully set up by Andy Powers, ultimately sealed the game at 3-2. Solihull's defence and midfield exhibited a determined performance to safeguard their lead. Neil Coles was unlucky not to add a fourth goal with a powerful shot after some good work on the right wing.
The club's praiseworthy efforts have resulted in surpassing the £1,000 fundraising milestone for the charity, highlighting a remarkable collective commitment from the members and supporters alike.
Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity Friendly
Solihull Moors (Eng) 3 Solihull Moors (Ire) 1
Sunday 16th December, 2023
12:00 Kick-Off
A sizable crowd assembled for this noteworthy charity match, featuring a closely contested encounter. Peter Hurrell's England team managed to secure a 3-1 victory, with goals coming from Graham Liddiard, Mike Woodcraft, and Mahboob Hussaine. Edu Olguin responded with a goal for Keith Batty's Ireland team. However, the true victor of the day was Birmingham Children's Hospital, as an impressive £700 was raised during the event. Special appreciation goes to Ian Brennan for officiating the match.
