PREVIEW | Chester vs Solihull Moors
Barring any dramatic turns in the weather before tomorrow, the Blues host Solihull Moors at the Swansway Chester Stadium (3pm).
The game is Chester’s first of December – in what could prove to be a pivotal month in search of National League safety. Tomorrow marks the first of four home games this month – with two of the matches against the bottom two placed sides in the division.
The crunch clash could see a debut for two new Blues signings – with Daniel Udoh and Sam Hornby arriving yesterday; both on loan from Crewe and Port Vale respectively.
It is a reunion for Chester boss Marcus Bignot – going up against the side who he was in charge of and led into the National League. Bignot was Manager at Damson Park for six years – and this is his first opportunity to manage against them.
Solihull Moors sit rock bottom – however they are making up impressive ground in bridging the gap in the bottom four places. In fact, they are just two points behind the Blues side going into the game.
Last time out, Moors impressively beat free-falling Leyton Orient at home 1-0. Since Mark Yates arrived – their third Manager this season following Liam McDonald and Richard Money – the midlands side have lost just one of their last four games.
HISTORY BOOKS
This fixture on New Years Day 2017 last season was Chester’s first home defeat in the woeful run which saw the team not pick up a win at the Swansway until the Maidenhead game in September.
Solihull have won all three previous meetings since their promotion to the National League
Marcus Bignot was in charge in 2013 when Solihull won 1-0 at the Swansway – ending our unbeaten home run in the very last home game of the season. Omar Bogle – who was destined for greater things – scored the winner.
Chester’s only win over Solihull since reforming was that very season – back in September 2012 at Damson Park. Nathan Jarman, Ben Mills and Iain Howard bagged the goals in a 3-0 victory.
ONE TO WATCH
Oladapo Afolayan – Striker
Afolayan is Solihull’s top scorer – and has already done damage to the Blues this season. He bagged a brace in September in a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture – which proved to be Jon McCarthy’s last game as Chester Manager. The forward has been the subject of Football League interest – and leads Moors scoring charts this season with eight goals.
Match Details
Kick off at the Swansway Chester Stadium tomorrow is 3pm. Ticket prices can be found here
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