THE HIGHEST ever attendance at the Automated Technology Group Stadium saw Gary Rowett’s Birmingham City beat Solihull Moors 3-1 in what was a difficult test for Marcus Bignot’s National League side, reports John Clother.
Just over 1,900 people packed into the ground for this eagerly anticipated friendly and it was the visitors who dominated the early stages.
Skipper Theo Streete needed the physio early on but was able to continue despite obvious discomfort before Danny Lewis produced a one-handed save on ten mintues to keep the scoreline level.
The blistering pace of the opposition was proving difficult to counter and from one such move down the left flank, a precision pass into Moors box saw Clayton Johnson out-jump the home defence to clinically head pass Lewis for the opening goal on 17 minutes.
Jonathan Spector headed over the bar but a second goal came thanks to Diego Fabbrini whose shot deflected off Liam Daly and past Lewis in the Moors goal with half-an-hour played.
Donaldson was again on the score sheet on 34 minutes when he reacted quickly to a knock down from Solomon-Otabor’s corner to finish from six yards. Solihull, to their credit, managed to stem the tide but could make little headway in the final third as the first half came to an end.
With entirely different squads for the remainder of the game Moors were able to make better use of the wings with Jamey Osborne and Lewis Hayden distributing the ball effectively from midfield.
Stefan Moore linked well with Harry White up front while Nathan Vaughan produced a commanding performance between the sticks.
Solihull’s goal came a minute before the hour mark. A solo effort from one of the impressive trialists who charged down the left before coming inside and coolly curling the ball beyond Adam Legzdins.
Stefan Moore went close with 15 minutes left on the clock after good work from White but the keeper dived full stretch to avert the danger.
As time ebbed away Koby Arthur shot fractionally wide of the far post for City whilst Moors had a penalty shout waived away as another of the trialists went down after a pulsating run at the Blues goal.
Next up for Moors is a trip to Walsall this Saturday (3pm).
Team: (First half) – Lewis, Franklin, Daly, Streete, Asante, Byrne, Brown, Beswick, Knights, Trialist
(Second half) – Vaughan, Cowan, Kelly, Moore, Osborne, White, Hayden and Trialist
