MATCH PREVIEW: SOLIHULL MOORS (H)

Boreham Wood v Solihull Moors
Wednesday 16 August, 2023, 7.45pm
Mangata Pay UK Stadium Meadow Park, Vanarama National League

PREVIEW

Tomorrow evening we welcome a new look Solihull Moors side to the Mangata Pay UK Stadium. With Neil Ardley’s departure on 25 June, The Moors have brought in a young manager in Andy Whing (38) 11 new signings. Including familiar face Gus Mafuta.

Last year was a disappointing season for the Moors who the year prior finished in third. Last season they finished in 15th position and were winless in their final 8 league games.

In the summer they’ve heavily recruited bringing in lots of experience. Most notably, Richard Stearman who has made 77 appearances in the Premier League and over 450 EFL appearances. Last season he was at Derby County and made 10 appearances as the Rams just missed out on play-offs

The Moors have also acquired some younger talent in Joe Newton from Havant and Waterlooville who is an exciting attacking full back as well as more recently capturing the loan signing of Jay Benn from Lincoln City who plays as a right wing back.

FORM GUIDE

Boreham Wood- D-W

The Wood made the long trip up to Gateshead on opening day and after an uninspiring first half which saw the Wood go into the break 2-0 down, they came out in the second half and looked much better and managed to secure a last minute equaliser and leave the Northeast with a well-earned point.

FC Halifax Town then came to the Mangata Pay UK Stadium Meadow Park for GW2 as the Wood looked to continue their second half form from Gateshead. Second half goals from Kwesi Appiah and Jamal Fyfield ensured a comfortable 2-0 win.

Solihull Moors – D-W

Opening day, the Moors welcomed Eastleigh to the ARMCO Arena. After a goalless first half Enzo Boldewijin opened the scoring for the visitors on the 55th minute. The on-loan Birmingham defender Nico Gordon received a second yellow card on the 90th minute which meant the Moors would have to finish the game with 10 men. Despite that in the 94th minute the hosts found an equaliser through Kyle Morrison.

For GW2 Solihull Moors travelled south to face newly promoted Ebbsfleet, Matty Warburton was the stand out performer scoring a brace and ensuring that they left the Kuflink stadium with a 2-1 win and four points from their two opening games.

PLAYED FOR BOTH – GUS MAFUTA

Gus joined the Solihull Moors following the expiration of his contract with York City at the end of last season. He has started in both games so far and offers a powerful presence in the middle of the park.

Gus was with the Wood for two seasons from 2020-2022, he made 75 appearances scoring 8 goals. He was also a part of both FA Cup runs that saw the Wood reach the third round in 2020/21 before losing out to Millwall, and in the following season he featured in the 2-0 win at home to AFC Wimbledon.

HAVEN’T WE MET BEFORE?

The points were shared on valentines day as the Wood Welcomed the Moors to Meadow Park last season. Chris Bush gave Wood the lead midway through the first half when he rose highest to head Josh Rees’ corner past Ryan Boot, The Moors drew level right at the start of the second half though when substitute Osborne sent a half volley beyond Ashmore after Wood failed to deal with a Justin Donawa cross.