AFC SOLIHULL wasted no time in returning to form in Midland League Division Three with a 4-1 victory over Central Ajax.
Solihull manager Simon James changed his side’s formation to a back three which allowed strikers Andy Matthews and Jon Hamer to play up top together and reap the dividends.
Within ten minutes of kick-off, Matthews raced through on goal and expertly slotted home a low finish to get him back on track towards last seasons 20-plus goal haul.
Elliot Price had reverted to a right wing-back role for Solihull and he was instrumental in most of their good work.
Five minutes after Matthews opener Price got his reward for what would be a man-of-the-match performance, drilling home a 25-yard drive to make it 2-0.
With Solihull cruising as the half-hour mark approached, they pressed the self destruct button.
Trying to pass out from the back, keeper Dan Wright, making his first appearance of the season, hit a wayward pass straight to Ajax striker Matt Layton who slotted into the empty net for his fifth goal of the season.
Before half-time Solihull were at it again, giving away a penalty and handing Ajax the chance to equalise.
However, Wright saved Layton’s effort and held onto the ball in what could have been the game defining moment.
This seemed to take the steam out of the Ajax revival and the second half was a comfortable affair for Solihull.
Early in the half Hamer beat the offside trap to go one-on-one with Ajax keeper Craig Lawrence and brilliantly finished with the outside of his right boot to make it 3-1.
The result was sealed with a fourth, when the tireless Price picked out Ben Whitmarsh in the box who side footed home a left-footed finish to seal the win.
Victory for Solihull moved them up to third place and level on points with second-placed Inkberrow.
Solihull are on the road on Saturday when they take on AFC Church in the Les James Challenge Cup.
