Match preview: Solihull Moors (a)

The Spireites will be looking to get back to winning ways today as they travel to Solihull Moors in the Vanarama National League.

Here’s all you need to know…

Match details

Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

Kick-off: 3pm

Competition: National League

Opponents: Solihull Moors

Location: Damson Park

TICKETS: https://tickets.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/

Matchday Coverage

Live radio commentary

Our in-house radio station, 1866 Sport, will provide full match commentary on the game, as well as pre-match/post-match analysis.

Don’t forget that 1866 Sport is on air 24-hours a day, seven days a week!

You can download the app from the Apple Store here: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/1866-sport/id1580041321

If you’re an Android user, you can download the app here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.radio.ma57501030

Alternatively, you can listen online here: https://streaming.radio.co/s47db4a4f3/listen

It is also available via Alexa.

Commentary is provided by Phil Tooley. It is sponsored by National Windscreens.

Social media

Our official Twitter page (https://twitter.com/ChesterfieldFC) will provide regular updates on the match. It is also the place to find our exclusive goal GIFs, which are used when a player scores a goal.

Key news will also be posted on our Facebook page, which can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/ChesterfieldFC.

Our official Instagram page will keep you posted with key moments and content throughout the day on our stories: https://www.instagram.com/chesterfieldfc/?hl=en.

The post-match interview with manager Paul Cook will be posted to our YouTube Channel soon after the game is finished: https://youtube.com/user/OfficialChesterfield.

Highlights of the game will also be posted to our YouTube Channel.

The Opposition

Fact file

Name: Solihull Moors

Nicknames: The Moors

Founded: 2007

Stadium: Damson Park

Capacity: 5,500

Manager: Neal Ardley

On Solihull

Solihull Moors was founded not so long ago, only existing for just over 15 years. The club have been successful on the pitch during those years though and have now spent a number of years fighting for promotion to the Football League.

The Moors narrowly missed out on promotion to League Two for the first time in their history by finishing in second place. They unfortunately lost in the play-offs to AFC Fylde that year, which was heart breaking after only missing out on the title by just three narrow points. Solihull Moors play their home matches at Damson Park which holds a capacity of 5,500.

One of the most famous games in Solihull’s history was back in 2019, the Moors were eliminated by League One side Rotherham United in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup, despite leading 3-0 in the 76th minute before conceding four late goals to crash out.

This season the Moors sit in 12th place, just four points off a play-off spot. They have had good season so far and competed well but have just struggled to find that real consistency of results, which places them just outside the play-off places. They will be hoping to string some good results together between now and the end of the season to give themselves another shot at promotion to the Football League in the play-offs.

One to watch

Ryan Boot is one of the most highly rated goalkeepers outside of the Football League. The 28-year-old began his career at Port Vale before a number of loan stints at teams such as Worcester City and Newcastle Town. Signing for the Moors in 2018, he has gone on to make over 150 appearances for the club and has become well known as a top keeper in the National League.

Recent Form

Chesterfield FC: L/L/D

Notts County: W/L/D

Last time we met

The last time the two sides met was in back in November 2022, the Spireites came out on top, winning 2-0. Goals from Joe Quigley and Bailey Clements were enough to see off the Moors at the Technique Stadium that day.

Danny Webb’s thoughts

Speaking to the media, he said: “The lads were gutted after Aldershot, they wanted to win.

“We put a positive spin on it though as there were lots of good things about the performance.

“One point is better than none but we could’ve and probably should’ve come away with all three points but fair play to Aldershot.

“It’s all about moving on now and looking to get three points at Solihull.”

He expressed how Solihull manager Neal Ardley likes to keep opposition managers guessing.

“Solihull are a good team, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“You don’t know what you’re going to get from them, to be honest.

“He [Neal Ardley] keeps you guessing that’s for sure and likes to play in many different ways.

“It’s all about what we can do though and we focus on ourselves and where we can hurt them.

“It should be a great game and we’re looking for the three points.”

He also provided an update on some of the health of members of the squad.

“They found something in Akwasi’s scan last week, it’s minor, thankfully.

“I very much doubt he’ll be in the squad but we’re looking forward to him hopefully joining back in with training next week.

“Danny [Rowe] is still with the medical department for now.

“He’s working with the medical team to get back to his fitness levels. He’s another player that adds quality to your squad.

“Bailey Clements is back fit and will travel to Solihull tomorrow. He’s absolutely available for selection and has recovered from his injury.

“Unfortunately, Manny Oyeleke has had another set-back, it’s not positive news on him.

“I don’t want to put a time frame on it because that’s tempting fate but it’s fair to say he won’t be back involved in the near future.”